Plus-sized Miss Alabama hits back at trolls who branded her an ‘unhealthy embarrassment’

A major Miss Alabama beauty pageant winner has hit back at trolls who called her an “unhealthy embarrassment.”

Sara Milliken, 23, was overjoyed when she won the top prize in the National American Miss pageant.

But her joy was short-lived as mean trolls soon started taunting her about her appearance.

“Even something you type on a screen can leave a lasting impression on people,” she said WKRG.

“Even though I’m not at that point yet, it can lead to people doing very dark things to themselves.”

Sarah Milliken, 23, was overjoyed when she won the top prize in the National American Miss pageant

Among the harsh comments was one from Blaine Tom Mieroughts, who wrote: “I thought it was a beauty pageant.”

Randy Hicks added, “Is that actually considered attractive in Alabama?”

John Mason said: ‘This should have been (M)iss Jack in the Box winner’, a cruel reference to the fast food chain.

Others were kinder, with Tracie Stephens-Brooks saying: “To know is to love her. This young lady has a heart of gold and will lend a helping hand to anyone in need. A beautiful obese diva with style, sass and a lot of class.’

Samantha Thrash Duff added, “So proud of her! We watched her all weekend and prayed hard that she would come home with that title! She is a wonderful, sweet young woman and will do great things!;

And David Junior said: ‘Great to finally not see a 100 pound blonde haired, blue eyed guy trying to win world peace! Congratulations to Alabama and this queen!”

Now she is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national finals to be held in Florida over Thanksgiving.

“I’ll be honest, it lasted about five minutes,” she added. ‘Their words can hurt, even if it’s online.

“I’ve always wanted to spread positivity, and this has put me in a position to do just that.”

Milliken’s win was her third attempt at the competition, which she says hopes to “promote positive self-image by enhancing the natural beauty within.”

She responded to an open call and participated in Memorial Day Weekend by participating in a series of interviews, volunteer work and presentations.

According to the organizers, scoring in the election is based on ‘personality, trust and communication’.

“Braces, glasses, skin problems, different heights, weights and appearances are all part of creating the special and unique person that you are and that we want to celebrate,” the website says.

Milliken admitted she was shocked by the reaction to her win, but has since received a lot of support from around the world, gaining 2,500 followers on Instagram and Facebook overnight.

But her joy was short-lived as mean trolls soon started taunting her about her appearance

She is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national finals held in Florida over Thanksgiving.

“No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you put your mind to,” Milliken said after her win.

‘I have met so many amazing and talented women. That was definitely the best part.”

Hundreds of her supporters have since flooded her inbox with offers of everything from dresses to thousands of dollars worth of beauty products to help her get to the next round.

Although she has been able to dust herself off, Milliken stressed that it is not as easy for other victims of cyberbullying as she urged people to be kinder.