Miss South Africa, 22-year-old Rolene Strauss, was crowned Miss World 2014 at the contest’s glitzy final in London on Sunday, with an estimated billion viewers watching on television around the globe.
Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsar, was judged the runner-up and Miss United States, Elizabeth Safrit, came third in the 64th annual competition, contested by women from 121 countries.
Medical student Strauss clasped her hands together in surprise and was crowned by the outgoing Miss World, Megan Young of the Philippines, to huge cheers in the ExCeL exhibition centre.
“South Africa this is for you,” Strauss said. “I think I will brace myself for what’s about to happen. It’s a huge responsibility.”
She told AFP she wanted to help spread education in her homeland and thereby help other people realise their dreams.
“I am what I am today because of the opportunities I have received and I would love to give others the same opportunities; educating, the opportunity to be educated, to make healthy choices and also to live their dreams,” Strauss said.
We have a winner! Miss South Africa, Rolene Strauss, a 22-year-old medical student, took home the coveted Miss World 2014 crown yesterday in London
Miss South Africa and 2014 Miss World Rolene Strauss reacts after being crowned during the grand final of the Miss World 2014 pageant in London on December 14, 2014 (AFP Photo/Leon Neal)
Miss South Africa and the 2014 Miss World Rolene Strauss (2L) sits after being crowned, flanked by first runner up Miss Hungary Edina Kulcsar (L) and second runner up Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit (3L) in London on December 14, 2014 (AFP Photo/Leon Neal)
Miss South Africa and the 2014 Miss World, Rolene Strauss (C), dances with first runner up Miss Hungary Edina Kulcsar (L) and second runner up Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit (R) during the grand final in London on December 14, 2014 (AFP Photo/Leon Neal)
Miss Nigeria Iheoma Nnadi couldn’t make it to the top 25
11 thoughts on “Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss wins Miss World 2014 (Photos)”
Are south Africans whites?
Congrats to her
How is she more beautiful than the rest?
All of them look alike. So how dud they select the winner?
My GF is the most beautiful girl in the world
I seriously look forward to the time when beauty will go beyond physical appearance
Don’t know how the judges picked the winner cos they all look alike and pretty
Did anyone notice they all look like dolls?
Think they made a mistake. Isn’t a south Africa winner supposed be black colour?
Congratulations to her and to lovely country South Africa
Congratulations to her and to her lovely country South Africa