Miss Teen International Namibia 2025, Elaine Engelbrecht, received a hero's welcome at the Hosea Kutako International Airport as her schoolmates, friends, and family celebrated her historic achievement.

Engelbrecht proudly represented Namibia at the Miss Teen International pageant in Jaipur, India, where she became the only African contestant to reach the Top 16.

Speaking at her homecoming, a confident Engelbrecht described the journey as both challenging and rewarding.

"It was hard. I wore these heels every single day. They are seven inches. I planted trees in them. I ran in them. I did everything. I didn't leave these heels once, not even once. Every time I came back to my hotel, it was five in the morning, and then I had to wake up at six. So you just sleep for 15 minutes. You wake up again, and you restart."

Miss Namibia Organisation's CEO, Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, praised Engelbrecht's patriotism.

"Today, we have highlighted the plight of the San people. She stood up for Namibia. She did everything right. So she is a winner. And I'm so proud of her. And I'm so proud of her mother and my team who stand behind me. Because this is a big job. But all of us stood together as a team. The Namibians stood behind us as a team."

Engelbrecht said she is grateful to the nation for its support and looks forward to using her platform to encourage youth to pursue their dreams with courage and confidence.