Barrie, Ont. teen makes history with international pageant win

A 13-year-old dancer from Barrie, Ont., has made history on the international stage, becoming the youngest ever Junior Teen United World titleholder.

Leah Knuff captured the crown at the United World Pageants in Texas, marking the first time a Canadian has brought home the international title.

Knuff, who has been performing since she could walk, began competing in pageants at the age of seven.

Now, she’s not just making history but making a difference right here at home.

As a triplet, she created her own platform, Voices for Change, inspired by her sister’s autism journey. Through it, she works to raise awareness by sharing tips and personal stories to educate and inspire others about autism.

Knuff has loved every minute of being a pageant girl.

“This has been an awesome experience,” Knuff said. “I’ve been doing pageants for a while now. My mom looked into it, and a few years ago I first competed at Canada Galaxy Pageants.”

This journey led her to United World. “I never thought I would be here,” she told CTV News in an exclusive interview.

This is not the first time she has taken home the title. Knuff has claimed several crowns in recent years, with her first being International United Miss Junior Preteen back in 2022.

Her mother, Dawn Knuff, said she is proud of her daughter’s accomplishments.

Knuff’s advice to other young girls is simple: “Follow your dreams,” she said.

Aside from performing, Knuff also says she enjoys painting, reading Babysitters Club books, and volunteering in her community. She’s also an aspiring nail artist.

Beyond the crowns, glitter, and makeup, she credits pageants with helping her grow in her own personal life journey. “Speaking to people has built my confidence,” she told CTV News.