Last weekend, one young Limerick man on a solo mission to Korea conquered his dreams – and the world! Kamal Ibrahim from Thomondgate, son of a Nigerian father (Abdul), and Italian mother (Roma), brought the new face of modern Ireland to the world’s stage and took the biggest prize – the Mr World title no less.
Kamal’s combination of good looks, toned pecks and the luck and charm of the Irish, won over a judging panel that included Julia Morley, president of the Miss World organisation, Mr World 1996, Miss World 2007, Miss World 2008, Andre Kim the world famous Korean designer, and Kaiane Aldorino the reigning Miss World from Gibraltar.
To be in with a chance of winning, the 74 contestants were stretched to the limits in a series of challenges during their stay in Korea, to test their character, stamina and determination to succeed as well as physical appearance, style and presentation. The competition was designed to find “the world’s most desirable man” — someone not only good-looking but also intelligent and amiable. During the 16-day journey in Korea, the top three contestants had stood out to the judges more than the others for their sense of leadership and camaraderie toward fellow contestants. Runners-up at the event were Mr Czech Republic (2nd place) and Mr Nigeria (3rd). After his win, an obviously shocked Kamal was still coming to terms with the news when he spoke at the post-event press conference of his pride to be representing Ireland and his desire to get home to see his friends and family. He spoke very well for a man with the world’s press hanging on his every word yet it was endearing to hear him speak with humility which is a trait I hope he will not lose during the enormous and eventful twelve months that lie ahead of him.
It is widely known that Kamal’s trip to Korea was under threat when it turned out he had no sponsor to back his travel of over 5,000 miles to the Mr World event. Luckily local publican Ken O’Connell of the Old Quarter stepped in to sponsor the flights and I’m sure Kamal will be eternally grateful for the trip that will surely now change his life forever.
As news filtered through from Korea last Saturday morning, social media website, facebook, was buzzing awaiting the latest updates as this had been most people’s only source of information. Many of us had watched Kamal’s profile carefully during his time away as he sent regular messages, photos and video updates of his progress. We watched as the contestants endured army training, cooking and singing competitions – a far cry from the Miss World event I’m sure! Little did we realise Kamal would bring home the biggest prize of them all, yet nobody would have doubted Kamal’s dedication and hunger to finish near the top. It’s fantastic to think an Irish man now holds the Mr World title. Kamal has been a model with the Holman Lee Agency for the last five years and speaking with Celia on Saturday she was absolutely delighted with the news and thrilled for Kamal. “I’ll never get him to do another show again now, that’s the only problem” she told me in jubilant form. Congratulations Kamal, Limerick – and Ireland – is very proud of you and your incredible achievement. Let the celebrations begin.
