Sierra Leone's Philippa Makoni Lahai-Swaray

23-year-old Philippa Makoni Lahai-Swaray's story and her bid for the Miss Africa USA is quite interesting considering how far she came and at this point still waxing strong and never giving up. Standing at five-feet four-inches tall and weighing 130Ibs, Philippa was born in Sierra Leone but spent her younger years in London excelling in sports to a point she was one of "London's top school athletes."

Majoring in Criminology at Alabama State University, she was a member of the track and field team. Though, briefly at ASU, she was awarded full schorlarship at East Tennessee State University in track and field. Tragedy struck Philippa in an automobile accident at East Tennessee keeping her off tracks with 'broken legs and shattered left ankle.' She survived and moved on.

Still at East Tnnessee State, she aspires to attend law school with specialty in International Corporate Law. And with all that courage and surviving the battle wounds, Philippa wants to use herself as a model by 'proudly representing the Africa Diaspora' in the event she captures the crown.

I salute your courage and good luck!

Go Africa Go!