Watching the latter finals again, I saw how badly Audra wanted to make up for her bridesmaid finish in 2011 by finally filling in the shoes vacated by Erin Brady. Anyone can see the yearning in her eyes and body language when it was just down to her and Nia. But the fault in her stars (sorry for the use of the phrase) cannot be denied. The consolation was just too much of a disappointment to bear. But what’s judged has already been judged. And the best she can hope for is to either wish that Nia Sanchez becomes Miss Universe 2014 so she can take over her Miss USA reign or look somewhere else where she can perhaps be appointed, say Miss World USA.
Whatever happens to Audra Mari from hereon now remains unclear. But if she so wishes to gun for the glory that she believes is rightfully hers, then risks need to be taken. Will she be up to it?
