First America’s Next Top Model and now a beauty pageant? Looks like people are finally starting to get the hint that being emaciated does not equal being beautiful. Or, more importantly, that women with a little meat on their bones are still pretty damn fabulous.

Leah Green — a beautiful 22 year old girl who happens to be a size 12 – was crowned Miss London yesterday. Green beat out hundreds of rail-thin contenders to take the title. Naturally, she was ecstatic. “I was in shock, but it was amazing to receive my crown, trophy and sash. My best friend Emma burst into tears and all I could see was my boyfriend Matt’s huge smile.”

Green had been turned down by many modeling agencies before entering the Miss London competition. To Leah, this win is about more than putting her in the running for the title of Miss England; this is her chance to be a role model to curvy (read: normal) girls everywhere.

This is a wonderful day for Leah Green, but I find it frustrating that the world is so shocked and enthralled with her story. Yes, she has broken down a huge wall in the modeling and beauty industry, but should it really be this way? Should an average sized girl winning a beauty pageant really be world news?

We can only hope that Leah Green’s win will force the change that we have all been waiting for. Next stop: Miss England. We are all behind you, sister.