The young Cuban Leah Reyes Amores, 16 years old, announced her coronation as Miss Teen Universe 2026 in Cambodia, adding a new international title to her journey in beauty pageants and dedicating the victory to all Cubans, both on the Island and abroad.
«WE DID IT, CUBA! THE UNIVERSE IS OURS!» («¡Lo logramos, Cuba! ¡El universo es nuestro!»), the model wrote in an emotional post on Instagram, where she celebrated the outcome of the competition and shared her pride in representing her country.
"We did it! Today, I can't find the words to describe how my heart feels. CUBA IS MISS TEEN UNIVERSE 2026!" the young woman expressed, visibly excited to reach a new milestone in her career.
The international pageant took place in Cambodia, a country that hosted the 2026 edition with representatives from different nations.
The competition brought together young candidates who participated in various activities and presentations leading up to the final gala.
For Leah, the experience held a meaning that went beyond receiving a crown. The Cuban representative recalled the dreams with which she began her journey and the pride of showcasing her country's colors on an international stage.
I arrived in Cambodia with a suitcase full of dreams, with the enthusiasm of a 16-year-old girl and the pride of carrying my country on my chest. Today I return with a crown that is not just mine, it's for an entire people!,” she wrote.
The model expressed her gratitude to her family, her support team, and the individuals who accompanied her during the competition, with a special dedication to the Cuban community spread across the world.
"Thank God, to my family, to my team, and to every Cuban who believed in me from day one. This victory is ours, for those on the island and for those who carry Cuba in their hearts from every corner of the world," he stated.
In her message, Leah also emphasized the importance of pursuing personal goals and maintaining confidence in one's abilities, regardless of the challenges that may arise.
"Today we demonstrated that dreams have no borders and that when we fight with our hearts, the impossible becomes reality," he added.
The young woman closed her post with a direct dedication to her country: "THIS CROWN IS FOR YOU, CUBA!", followed by her signature as the new Miss Teen Universe 2026.
With this crown, the young woman adds another achievement to her career. In August 2025, she was crowned Miss Teen Earth 2025 in India, a victory that boosted her profile in the world of youth pageants.
During that competition, the Cuban representative stood out for her performances and fantasy costumes, including one inspired by Oshún and another based on the element of fire, with which she received the award for Best National Costume.
At that moment, Leah also dedicated her victory to the Cubans who had supported her from afar, a testament to the bond she has maintained with her fans and her country's community.
Her career has also extended into the world of fashion. In June 2026, she became the first Cuban to grace the cover of L’Officiel Monaco, during an editorial shoot conducted in the Principality of Monaco.
The appearance in that publication marked a new step in her career, allowing her to broaden her international presence beyond runways and beauty pageants.
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