Having been crowned Miss South Africa last December, Melinda Bam is now halfway through a packed year of events, functions, launches, benefits and ceremonies, and all the duties that go with being an ambassador for your country.
While she says she is having a wonderful time, her duties and commitments have had a knock-on effect on her fitness training time. “I used to train twice a day, including running, but these days I can only fit in four sessions a week, and it’s all Pilates, Boot Camp and kick-boxing. I really want to get back into my running,” she says.
“I’ll be going to the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas in December, and I’d like to do a few races before then, because it will not only help keep me fit and toned for the pageant, but we will also be judged on our involvement in our community. I’ve run races before and have done 1:56 for a half marathon. I reckon I’m ready to take on a 10km right now, but need a bit more training before I run my next half marathon.”
Bam recently made national headlines after announcing her decision of not competing in the Miss World pageant in Ordos next August, citing “personal reasons”. Instead, South Africa will be represented by her 1st runner-up, Remona Moodley.
Bam posted via twitter that South Africa now has chances to “win the two titles” (Miss World and Miss Universe). Best of Luck! Modern Athlete
Thanks for all supporting Melinda and being loyal to her. Thanks for your trust in her integrity and ability to make the right decision. We love and support you Melin, all natural, no skeletons,WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE.
FRANZ IFF THERE WAS ANY CLEANING UP TO DO SUN INTERNATIONAL WOULD HAVE TAKEN AWAY MELINDAS CROWN,DONT READ SLEAZY TABLOIDS.MISS SOUTH AFRICA ORGINIZATION HAVE NO MERCY IFF THE WINNER HAVE ANY SKELETONS IN HER CLOSET,
SAW HER TODAY AT THE ROTHMANS JULY DURBAN SOUTH AFRICA AND SHE LOOKED LIKE MISS UNIVERSE 2012 ALREADY.MISS SOUTH AFRICAS REASON FOR NOT GOING TO CHINA IS IFF SHE REACH THE TOP5/7 SHES NOT ALLOWED TO COMPETE AT MISS UNIVERSE AND THE CONFUSION REGARDING MELINDA NOT GOING TO CHINA IS CLEAR,SHE SHUNTS BORING MISS WORLD AND PLANNING TO GIVE HER ALL AT MISS UNIVERSE.YOU GO MELINDA SOUTH AFRICA LOVES YOU.
Rumor has it Melinda has come “cleaning” up to do that’s why she’s going for Miss U and not Miss World. Hint: A girl with the same case should have taken the bunny ears of
I think Melinda Bam didnt want to play selfish & might have thought of giving a chance to her runnerup so that she too could get a chance to play a delegate for SA at MW. She will participate at MU and if both win congrats to SA on winning two grand titles. Melinda Bam must become MU 2012 bcoz she is a hardworking girl next door natural beauty.
What is her “personal reason” for not competing at Miss World? I think she was chosen to represent South Africa in both pageants and she really shouldn’t have a choice and is actually breaking her contract.
Sorry world melinda bam miss sa prefers miss universe,miss world boring to the bone while miss universe is a sexy affair bring it melinda bam
She remains to be my favorite for the title.
Yes Melinda is the strongest Miss South Africa since Cindy Nell, Perhaps she decided not to attend Miss World as the two pageants have now switched and she would have entered Miss Universe first then depending on the outcome decide to enter Miss World. She would of done well in Miss World – we now wish her ALL THE BEST for Miss Universe!
I wish south africa or australia to win the crown
THE GIRL IS SMART with her decission!!
She knows if she goes to miss world and place Donald Trump will NEVER let her into the semifinals of miss universe… look at Debora Henry of Malaysia and Gabriel Walcot of Trinidad. Both amazing girls that placed in miss world, and they were also great at Miss Universe but neither of them made it in to the top 16!
That is not always the case. I was disappointed at the performances of both Deborah & Gabriel @ Miss Universe. Look at Ada & Yendi both 1st runner’s up at miss Universe 2009 & 2010 respectively and both made Miss world Top 16.So Gabriel & Deborah was just not on point for Miss Universe. You win some you loose some.
Like!
And the first runner up is………………..?
She is beautiful, but I find her decision to miss out on Miss World to be a bad one. Nevertheless, I think it’s high time for South Africa to have another Miss Universe winner.
She will win Miss Earth 2013!
Strong contender for the Miss Universe 2012 crown.
Very intriguing decision. She has chosen to represent South Africa in Miss Universe and not the Miss World due to “personal reason”.
She’s a very beautiful lady who knows what she wants… Kudos to you Miss South Africa.
she prefers to be in Miss Universe and not Miss world
She is the strongest Miss South Africa since Cindy Nell. Watch out for her!
Spot on Ed!
south africa is back in the top 5!
Melinda Bam is the very beautiful girl. >Maybe she will be the next MISS UNIVERSE …
Las Vegas ?! not again ! I was hoping for an exotic place . ugh back to Las Vegas .