She says she's in it to win.
Vancouver's transgendered Miss Universe Canada contestant says she feels like she's already triumphed by earning the chance to compete at this weekend's pageant in Toronto.
Jenna Talackova says she must perform to her 100 per cent best because all of the contestants are rehearsing and training so hard.
At the same time, Talackova admitted there were larger issues at stake for her, describing her journey to the crown as a fight for equality.
The blond beauty ignited a media firestorm after she was initially disqualified from the pageant because she isn't a naturally born female.
But pageant owner Donald Trump overruled the decision and said Talackova could take part.
Talackova commented yesterday as she and her 61 fellow contestants appeared at a west-end Toronto school to encourage kids to work hard and follow their dreams.
The school visit was part of several public appearances scheduled in advance of the Miss Universe Canada pageant, which will crown a winner Saturday night.
