A Gwynedd mum swapped ‘trackies and trainers’ for frocks and swimsuits to be named Mrs Galaxy UK. Gemma Pritchard, 45, from Llanrug, is a martial arts trainer and is usually found on the mats.
She is a 5th degree Black Belt in Karate and Kickboxing, as well as a Blue Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu, working full-time as a martial arts instructor at her own academy.
Her experience of beauty pageants is through her daughters Erin and Efa-Hâf. But she decided to step outside her comfort zone and enter Mrs Galaxy UK. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
The gamble paid off as she beat off competition from across Britain to be named Mrs Galaxy UK. Gemma and the rest of the UK Galaxy Queens will be jetting off to the USA to compete at the Galaxy International Pageant.
Gemma Pritchard with daughters Erin and Efa-Hâf
Gemma said: “After 11 years as a dedicated pageant mum, I stepped into the spotlight myself.
“In the competition I had an interview, provided a portfolio of the community work I have done and it also included a stage competition of three rounds, fashion wear, swimwear and evening wear.”
She added: “I have been a pageant mum for 11 years where both my daughters have also previously been Galaxy Queens so I decided to follow in their footsteps. It’s usually the other way round!.
“My daughter Efa-Hâf was Junior Miss Galaxy 2023 and my eldest daughter Erin Pritchard was Teen Galaxy 2025.
“I am a martial artist by day, so at 45 I decided to step out of my comfort zone and do something different.
Gemma Pritchard is normally in her training gear
“Taking part was really empowering, doing something totally different to my every day, I was nervous but thought ‘I’m here, lets go for it’.
“Winning was a shock, and even more so when I won all the scoring rounds too, so I felt overwhelmed but extremely proud, I just kept looking at my daughters who I think were just as shocked as me.
Gemma Pritchard from Llanrug
“Being on stage all glammed up in elegant wear was nice as it’s completely different to my everyday life on the martial arts mats where I’m in my trackies and trainers, no make up and hair tied back.
“It’s most definitely built my confidence.”
