Just keep swimming. Mia Sim not only holds, but MADE the world record for fastest mermaid at the Mermaid Olympics in Switzerland in 2024. AKA: the “Merlympics.” Mia is headed as a second time qualifier for the 2025 competition in Germany this coming May. Not only is Mia now in Utah Valley Magazine, but she’s been previously featured in Femme Rebelle and Cosplay Chronicles Magazine. When not wearing the tail, Mia is a pageant queen. Mia was a queen in Miss Petite U.S.A. 2023, Sea Queen of Utah 2022, and won Miss Photogenic at the Beehive Beauties Pageant. Mia is also passionate about conserving our great lakes and works with Conserve Utah Valley to improve the lake ecology for Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake. When others falter, Mia just keeps swimming.
Dealer’s Choice A day in the life is never the same. I work in pediatric dentistry when I’m not booked for a mermaid party or photoshoot. I love sitting in a sauna or doing hot yoga to wind down. I swim for two hours after work and content draft before bed. When I’m allowed hobbies, I love making dresses, roller skating, surfing and hiking.
The Flop Becoming a Merlympian was never on my bucket list as a performer. I thought I was done with sports and I would just model and swim. I was oh-so-wrong!
Ace Up Your Sleeve I love to make French meringue cookies.
Strongest Suit I’d say my style is early 2000s but it’s all anime merch.
Shuffle The Cards I feel like my life is so perfectly curated to where I am now. I did costume design, special effects, acted and modeled — and all of these things have deeply tied into my mermaid career.
Tomorrow’s Bets This year, I want to go diving in Bonaire, help my husband expand his race career, watch my youngest sibling graduate, and make a mermaid convention exclusive to Utah!