Tanya Wilson

Tanya Denise Wilson is an American model, public figure, and beauty pageant titleholder best known for winning the Miss USA 1972 title. Born in Reno, Nevada, on June 13, 1950, she was raised in Nevada before relocating to Honolulu, Hawaii, with her mother. She attended the University of Hawaiʻi, majoring in physical education during her time as a college student and expanding her involvement in competitive pageantry.

Before achieving national prominence, Wilson competed in state pageants in Nevada. She entered the Miss Nevada competition in 1969 and 1970, finishing as a runner-up in both attempts. After moving to Hawaii to continue her education, she entered the Miss Hawaii USA pageant in 1972. She won the state title, earning the right to represent Hawaii at the 21st edition of the Miss USA competition.

The national Miss USA 1972 pageant took place in Dorado, Puerto Rico, in May 1972. Wilson was crowned the winner, becoming the second representative from the state of Hawaii to capture the Miss USA crown. Following her victory, she represented the United States at the Miss Universe 1972 competition, held at the same venue, where she successfully placed among the top twelve semi-finalists.

As Miss USA, Wilson fulfilled official promotional and public appearance duties throughout her reign. She officially concluded her tenure as titleholder in May 1973 when she crowned her successor, Amanda Jones of Illinois, at the subsequent Miss USA pageant.