Winner: Rolene Strauss celebrates after being crowned Miss WoRld.photo:AFP
Miss South Africa has claimed the crown at this year’s Miss World competition.
Rolene Strauss, a 22-year-old fourth-year medical student, took the title ahead of 122 other contestants from around the world.
Strauss had been given odds of 2/1 to win, ahead of Miss India, Koyal Rana, who was 7/1 with the bookies.
On top of the world: Rolene Strauss celebrates with Miss Hungary and Miss United States as Miss India looks on. Photo: AFP
Rana missed out, with Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsar, finishing first runner-up.
Second runner-up was Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit.
Strauss, a high-achieving Instagram lover, who is into oxtail, bungy jumping and blusher, plans to complete her MBA after becoming a doctor, but said she’s dreamed of the coveted Miss World crown since she was a little girl.
As for what she would change in the world, she said: “The fact that we as humans don’t realise how much potential we have; to do good, give and make things right. How amazing would it be if we all realised our potential?”
Miss Australia Courtney Thorpe, second left, made the top five finalists. Photo: AP
Miss Australia Courtney Thorpe made the top five of the competition held in London on Sunday night.
A self confessed “Insta-addict” and “obsessed and devoted Manchester United fan”, the 24-year-old from Brisbane is studying mass communications at university while working part-time as a freelance writer and fashion stylist.
Thorpe has had a children’s book published and says she plans to write an entire series of educational children’s books.
“I’m very lucky that since being crowned Miss Australia I have been able to continue my love of working with children by working with indigenous outback communities in remote Australia, especially focusing on education,” she said.
After winning the local title in July, she said: “I am still in shock! It’s not every day that you wake up and realise that all your dreams have come true and your whole life has changed. It’s a mix of excitement, nerves and happiness.
“For the moment, I am just taking everything as it comes – I am organising to move in the next few days and I have also just found out that in just a few weeks I will be travelling … to the Aboriginal community of Lilla in the Northern Territory.
“I am looking forward to the next year as Miss World Australia.”
