A US Air Force pilot has become the first active-duty military service member to win the Miss America pageant.

Madison Marsh, a 22-year-old second lieutenant, emerged victorious and was crowned at a ceremony in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday night.

2nd Lt Marsh, who has a degree in physics and is a master’s student at Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, represented the state of Colorado.

She also devotes her time to fighting pancreatic cancer after losing her mum to the disease in 2018, according to Miss America’s Facebook page.

It also lists a NASA internship and being a two-time National Astronaut Scholar as some of her illustrious accomplishments.

She is also a certified private pilot and has a black belt in Taekwondo.

“Here’s to showing the world that women can do anything,” she wrote on Instagram after her win.

“All of the women I competed with are the most kind, intelligent, talented, and passionate people I have ever met.

“I have no doubt that they will be leading in every corner of America whether it be in philanthropy, politics, business, or more.”

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She thanked her family, friends and coaches – and added: “Lastly, to my momma – this whole year is for you.

“If you were in the audience last night, I know you would have been my first hug.”

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She added: “The world is about to know your story, light, and love.”

The US Air Force celebrated Marsh’s win in a post on X, describing her as “our very own”.

Fifty-one contestants took part in the event. The runner-up was Ellie Breaux from Texas.

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