Twin sisters Sara and Lilja are making waves in the beauty pageant circuit, not just for their stunning looks but also for their powerful message of self-belief and sisterly support. Both are competing in Miss Iceland 2026, and their journey is a testament to the power of encouragement and shared dreams. But here's where it gets controversial: while they are identical twins, their paths to Miss Iceland are not identical, and their experiences within the pageant are shaping them in unique ways. Are they competing against each other or supporting each other? And what does winning Miss Iceland mean for these sisters?
Sara and Lilja's story began in Kópavogur, Iceland, where they were born and raised. At the age of 10, they moved to Florida, where they completed their studies at Celebration High School. This move opened their eyes to the world's opportunities, and after graduation, they took time off to travel before beginning their studies in psychology at the University of Central Florida. Today, they have both graduated with B.S. degrees in clinical psychology and returned home, enriched with life experiences and dreams they are determined to pursue.
The idea to participate in Miss Iceland arose after they watched a close friend compete and saw how much she blossomed through the process. "We encouraged each other. It started as a small idea of 'why not?' but quickly turned into 'why not now?'" they say. "We wanted to step outside our comfort zones and show both ourselves and others that no dream is too big when you believe in yourself."
The sisters are 24 years old and have been best friends since birth. They are both competitive, but Lilja admits she is slightly more competitive than Sara. "We are both ambitious, though in different ways. One is more outwardly assertive, while the other may be calmer. But we both want to do our very best and always give 110 percent in everything we do."
Preparing for Miss Iceland together has been an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. "There is great strength in being two. We can be completely honest with each other and help with the preparation. We also try to share the journey on TikTok and Instagram, where we show how the preparations are going. There we are called @Lifeoftvibbar," they say.
When asked about the competition, they emphasize their support for each other. "We fully support each other. If a little competition arises, it's lighthearted and fun. We are first and foremost a team, and each other's success is always a shared victory."
But here's where it gets thought-provoking: while they are competing in Miss Iceland, they are also competing against each other in a subtle way. "If one of us were to win or advance further, we would be incredibly proud. For us, this is not about competing against each other but about experiencing the process together. If one of us wins, it will feel like we both have," they say.
The sisters are also breaking stereotypes about identical twins. "We look very alike but differ in small details. We share the same interests and often end up buying the same clothes. We have even accidentally given each other the same birthday and Christmas gifts." Despite their similarities, their parents always saw a difference between them, and they even sent a DNA test to Norway to confirm their genetic relationship. "Today, when our parents look at old photos, they sometimes can't tell us apart," they say.
Winning Miss Iceland would mean much more to them than just a title. "It would give us a platform to be role models, make a positive impact, and encourage others to believe in themselves. We have each faced challenges that have shaped us, teaching us perseverance, empathy, and self-confidence." They want to use their voices to speak about important issues and inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter what obstacles they face. "With self-belief, anything is possible."
So, as the sisters prepare for the Miss Iceland coronation, they are not just competing for a title but also for the chance to inspire others to believe in themselves. And that, in itself, is a powerful message that could spark differing opinions. What do you think? Are they competing against each other or supporting each other? And what does winning Miss Iceland mean for these sisters?
