Saturday, October 18, 2008
Miss World 2007
Zhang Zilin
China
Zhang Zilin is the Miss World 2007 title holder, representing the People's Republic of
Miss World 2006
Taťána KuchařováCzechoslovakia
Taťána Kuchařová (born in 1987 in
Miss World 2005
Unnur Birna VilhjálmsdóttirUnnur Birna Vilhjálmsdóttir (born May 25, 1984 in
Miss World 2004
María Julia “Maju” Mantilla GarcíaPeru
María Julia “Maju” Mantilla García was born in 1984 in
Miss World 2003
Rosanna DavisonIRELAND
Miss World 2003, the 53rd Miss World pageant, was held at Crown of Beauty Theatre in Sanya, Hainan, China on December 6, 2003. There were 106 delegates who vied for the crown. Irish Rosanna Davison, daughter of popular musician Chris de Burgh, won the title, claiming Ireland's first major beauty pageant title.
Miss World 2002
Azra AkinTURKEY
Azra Akin, a 21-year-old Turkish model and dancer, was crowned Miss World 2002 at the pageant, held at the Alexandra Palace in London on Dec. 7. Finishing in the Top 5 were: 1st Runner-up Natalia Peralta (Colombia), 2nd Runner-up Marina Mora (Peru), 3rd Runner-up Katrine Sorland (Norway), and 4th Runner-up Wu Ying-Na (China). The winner took home 100,000 pounds ($157,000) in prize money. Eighty-eight contestants participated in the pageant, Alexandra Palace was sold out, and millions of viewers watched the pageant on television in 142 countries. The pageant was moved from Nigeria to London after rioting broke out among Christians and Muslims in the northern city of Kaduna, Nigeria, following a newspaper columnist's speculation that the prophet Mohammad would have probably married one of the beauty queens. The paper later retracted the statements, but not before riots forced the pageant's move. Azra addressed the controversy, saying: "I wish people in the world would be more respectful to each other. People who think Miss World was to blame should research more about this competition, because we are doing great things."Controversy surrounding Miss World arose earlier this year when contestants threatened to pull out of the Miss World pageant in protest at an Islamic court's ruling that a single mother must be stoned to death. Some countries' representatives pledged to boycott the competition; others feared for their safety at the hands of Islamic groups that potentially could disrupt the ceremony, which was to be held in Abuja, Nigeria.
Miss World 2001
Ibiagbanidokibubo "Agbani" Asenite DaregoNIGERIA
When Agbani Darego became the first black African to win the Miss World pageant in November she had been modeling for less than a year. "It has completely blown out her wildest expectations," said Joan Ibuzo, Darego's manager. "She will be placed and written about in the Guinness Book of World Records." Darego isn't the first African to wear the Miss World crown, but she is the first black African - the continent's three previous winners included two white South Africans and one Egyptian. Though a woman from Botswana, Mpule Kwelagobe, won the Miss Universe pageant in 1999, the chances of an African being crowned Miss World were seen as pretty slim, according to oddsmakers. The contest's official bookmaker rated Darego a longshot at 66-1. The favorite was a 19-year-old blonde from the United States, Carrie Stroup, closely followed by Miss Chile, Christiane Balmelli, another blonde. The 18-year-old Nigerian first aimed at stardom in January 2000, when she vied for her country's slot in the annual Face of Africa pageant. A faculty strike had closed the university she attended in southeastern Nigeria, and Darego took the chance to travel to the Lagos competition. She made it to the finals before being cut. Ibuzo was waiting outside, and the two agreed Darego would next join the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant. The winner of this competition, run by Ibuzo's agency, Silverbird Productions, would enter the lucrative Miss Universe and Miss World contests. After that, Darego's success was swift. She won the Silverbird crown and entered the Miss Universe pageant, where she made it to the semifinals - along the way she caught the eye of Donald Trump, and Naomi Campbell invited her to model at a benefit show in Barcelona. Then in Sun City, South Africa, before an estimated 1.2 billion television viewers, Darego beat out 92 other contestants for the Miss World title. "Black is beautiful," she said before being crowned. With the prize came $100,000, international recognition and the spokeswomanship of the Miss World charity, which is devoted to children's causes.
Miss World 2000
Priyanka Mini ChopraINDIA
''There is no fixing in Miss World beauty contest.'' This is what the co-organizer of the Miss World beauty pageant Julia Morley had to say when asked about the reasons for the continued Indian dominance at the contest for the past few years. Addressing her first press conference in India after the crowning of Priyanka Chopra last month, Morley said, ''I can assure you there is no fixing here. The winner is decided by nine different judges. Priyanka just kept on winning.'' Morley clarified India has been winning crown after crown because of the contestants. ''It's India's destiny and it's Priyanka's destiny. Indians should be happy about it.'' Certain media reports have speculated that the continued run of success of Indian girls at the world beauty pageants is related to the growing interest of the Multi-National Companies in India. It was due to this factor that Priyanka was crowned Miss World despite her giving a wrong reply in the final round. Priyanka had mentioned Mother Teresa as the women she admired the most, though she was asked to name the living women in this category. The answer to the question won her the crown, leaving many in the audience surprised. Justifying her answer, Priyanka said, ''For me she is a living legend. Isn't she a living legend for you?'' she posed back. Elaborating on the reasons for the judges accepting Priyanka's response for the final question, Morley, explained that the Judges were not worried about one word or two being unheard by the contestants, who reply amid enormous amount of tension. Many of the contestants do not even understand English, she added. ''What we look for is the sincerity and the spirit of intention of the contestant. It is how a contestant replies,'' clarified Morley, who was one of the nine judges at the event.
Miss World 1999
Yukta MookheyINDIA
The last Miss World of the XX century was marked by a battle between the world's two greatest beauty powerhouse: India and Venezuela. If Venezuela's Martina Thorogood had one of the most beautiful faces ever seen in a beauty pageant, India's Yukta Mookhey was pure vibrance, elegance and intelligence. The deciding factor was the interview competition; Miss Venezuela displayed amazing class but her answers could have been better. Miss India nailed her interview, leaving judges as well as the two billion people watching the pageant mesmerized with her perspicacity and charm. The pageant was back to London after 9 years. The second runner-up, Sonia Raciti of South Africa, had been a Miss Universe finalist as well only 6 months earlier. Among the favorites who were not included in the select group of finalists were Misses Sweden, Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Miss World 1998
Linor AbargilISRAEL
One of the most successful countries in the history of the pageant, Israel finally won the crown in 1998 with Linor Arbagil. The pageant, held in the Seychelles, probably was the most spectacular ever. It redefined the image of international beauty pageants and became a favorite for many. Linor, a surprising winner, made headlines in the World's major newspapers and magazines when she admited having been raped only two months before the pageant. The man responsible for the crime was judged and is now in prison. Miss World became a role model for women everywhere who have suffered some kind of sexual abuse.
Miss World 1997
Diana HaydenINDIA
Only 3 years after winning the Miss World crown, India did it again with Diana Hayden. For the first time in many decades not even one Latin contestant was included in the group of semi-finalists. The pageant was held in the Seychelles and another first was all contestants parading in their evening gowns after they introduced themselves. Among those contestants, Mpule Kwolagobe, Miss Botswana, who in two years would be elected Miss Universe 1999. Among the favorites who failed to make the cut, Miss Venezuela and Miss Czech Republic. Ricky Martin sang for the more than 80 beauties competing for the crown. Daiana Hayden became a famous model and a good-will amassador for the United Nations.
Miss World 1996
Irene SklivaGREECE
Greece's Irene Skilva was crowned Miss World 1996 Saturday in an elaborate ceremony that contrasted sharply with the scene outside the stadium, where anti-pageant protesters pelted police with rocks and militant women threatened to set themselves on fire. One man actually commited suicide. Skilva, an 18-year-old model, received the silver tiara from 1995 winner Jacqueline Aguilera Marcano of Venezuela at the conclusion of a two-hour show that was broadcast to millions around the world. Miss Colombia, Carolina Arango, was the first runner-up, while Miss Brazil Anuska Prado placed third. About 88 contestants participated in the event. Earlier Saturday, about 1,000 demonstrators shouted "Go home, Miss World!" and tried to block roads leading to the Bangalore cricket stadium where the pageant took place. Police swung bamboo canes, fired rubber bullets and launched tear gas at the protesters. The protesters said the pageant treats women as objects and benefits only plastic surgeons and cosmetics manufacturers. Organizers contend it will help boost tourism and encourage international investment in India. The pageant itself was grandious and thanks to all the headlines it gained around the world due to protests, the TV audience was one of the highest ever- 2.2 billion viewers.
Miss World 1995
Jacqueline María Aguilera MarcanoVENEZUELA
Jacqueline Aguilera, the Venezuelan runner-up to Alicia Machado, Miss Universe 1996, was crowned Miss World 1995 in spectacular Sun City, South Africa. A university student from Nueva Esparta, Jacqueline was 19 years old. Her first words as Miss World 95 were: "I am very happy with my triumph; now what I desire the most is a united world fighting for progress, for the sake of the future of our planet". Many people expected the beautiful and intelligent Miss Korea to finish in the top 3 or even to take it all after her eloquent answer to her final answer. She talked about the role of women in today's society. Without a reasonable explaination, she finished in 5th place. Yun Yon Choe was recently chosen as the most beautiful Miss Korea of all times in Beauland. Miss Croatia, the most elegant woman competing for the crown that year, also gained points when she said that she would love to invite President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and the president of her country for dinner.
Miss World 1994
Aishwarya RaiINDIA
When 87 beautiful women from 87 different countries arrived to Sun City, in the new and free South Africa, Aishwarya Rai, Miss India, became an immediate favorite. She was selected as Miss Photogenic, and won the hearts of South Africans, the media, and on November 17, 1994, she won not only the judges' hearts, but also their precious votes. By unaminity, she was declared the new Miss World. This student of Architecture, 21 at that time, was one of the most gorgeous beauty queens ever. Miss Rai was also impressive every time she spoke. She was smart and very eloquent. First runner-up was Miss South Africa. The hometown girl was only the second black woman to win her national beauty pageant. Second runner-up was Miss Venezuela, an usual favorite, who also won the prize for Best National Costume. Some history was made during the magnificent production the Miss World Organization and Sun City put together for the third year in a row in Sun City: Miss Zimbabwe made the top 5 for the first time in its history in a major beauty competition (the other finalist was Croatia); President Mandela himself welcomed all 87 contestants, exchanging a few words and taking pictures with all of them; Miss China sent a beautiful candidate, the first and only so far to represent the most populous country in the world in Miss World, Universe, or International. Despite her impressive looks and height, she was not a finalist. Russia's Anna Malova, who was the previous year's Miss Baltic Sea, had no luck in this pageant - but it was probably excellent training for her better standing at Miss Universe in 1998. Joyce Giraud, 2nd runner-up in Miss Universe 98, represented Puerto Rico in Miss World 94 and did not make the cut.
Miss World 1993
Lisa HannaJAMAICA
In a magnificent event telecast live to more than 100 countries from Sun City, South Africa, Miss World 1993 was a mega event which counted with the participation of a number of world-known celebrities. Just to name a few, '007' actor Pierce Brosnan, French actress Jacqueline Bisset, singer Grace Jones, actor Lou Gossett Jr., supermodels Christie Brinkley and Kim Alexis, singer, actress and former Miss America Vanessa Williams, and former Miss World Gina Tolleson. Before the top 10 were announced, Gina Tolleson, one of the commentators for the evening, named her favorites: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Croatia, USA, Venezuela, and South Africa (the first post-apartheid black winner in South Africa). Gina proved to be an expert, once 6 of her predictions actually made the cut. The winner though, was a woman who grew more and more every time she come out on stage. Miss Jamaica's perfect legs, amazing smile, unmatchable poise and intelligence made her the clear choice for the crown. The big favorite, Miss South Africa, had to settle for first runner-up. Actress Sharmaine Gutierrez of the Philippines was third. Miss Finland, Janina Frostell became one of Finland's most photographed models, while Sweden's Victoria Silvstedt became a 'Playmate of the Year' in 1998.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Miss World 1992
Julia Alexandrovna KourotchkinaRUSSIA
The year of 1992 represented a major turning point for the Miss World pageant. It moved to Sun City, South Africa, and gained a grandiose production, contrasting with very poor presentations in 1990 and 1991. The winner was Russia's Julia Kourotchkina; however, the favorite for the crown was UK's Claire Smith, a statuesque brunette who displayed a lot of personality, beauty and charm, conquering the local crowd and some even say, the judges...(some judges claimed they did not understand how Miss UK could possibly have lost the title to Miss Russia, since the majority of them voted for Miss United Kingdom). It is believed that Miss Russia's victory was a political one.
Miss World 1991
Ninibeth Beatriz Leal JiménezVENEZUELA
The pageant was held in Atlanta, Georgia, at practically the last minute due to scheduling difficulties, first in the Dominican Republic and then in Puerto Rico. South Africa was finally back in the pageant since 1977 - se was the 2nd runner-up. The delegate of its neighbor country, Namibia, which had just gained independence from South Africa, Michele McLean, went on to win the Miss Universe title in the next year. She was 5th in Atlanta. Semi-finalist Maree De Montalk of New Zealand's was also a semi-finalist in that Miss Universe contest. Other finalists to have participated in Miss Universe were Miss Jamaica, Sandra Foster, a semi-finalist in Miss Universe 89, and Mareva Georges of France, who also in 1991 was a semi-finalist in Las Vegas. Although Miss Brazil, Catia Kupssinskii, placed only as #17, she went on to become a successful model. She graced the covers of major fashion magazines such as VOGUE a Marie Claire.
Miss World 1990
Gina Marie TollesonUNITED STATES
Gina Tolleson won the 40th annual Miss World contest in its return to London after being held the previous year in Hong Kong. In preceding years, British TV companies declined to show the contest live, claiming a decrease in its viewing audience. While a worldwide audience of 500 million viewed the contest live, it was taped for a later telecast on British TV. With a low budget production, some people doubted the contest would survive for long (the pageant would recover credibility in 1992). Among the semi-finalists was Miss Turkey, Julide Ates, also a semi-finalist in Miss Universe that year. The big surprise was the inclusion of Miss Aruba among the 10, a contestant who did not rank among the top 50 in Miss Universe 1990. The crowd favorite, 20 year-old stewardess from Ireland, finished in 2nd. Gina Tolleson, a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, who earlier in that year had placed second in Miss USA, would eventually become a relatively successful TV presenter and Miss World commentator (for 1993). She married TV personality Alan Thicke
Miss World 1989
Aneta-Beata KreglickaPOLAND
Poland's Aneta Kreglicka was the first Eastern European to win the Miss World title. She was surprised and shocked at her victory over 77 other competitors in Hong Kong. Thames Television changed its mind at the last minute and broadcast the pageant at home, though time differences and the difficult of finding an appropriate time slot caused it to be shown at after midnight in England. The favorites that night were Misses USA, Australia and Thailand. Misses Mauritius and US Virgin Islands were the only women from their countries to have ever placed in a major international pageant. Vania Thomas of the US Virgin Islands also participated in Miss Universe 1997. Aneta of Poland won the first ever Miss World crown for her country and for Eastern Europe the year the Berlin Wall fell in Germany and Eastern European countries were in a fast transition from communism to capitalism.
Miss World 1988
Linda PetursdóttirICELAND
Linda Petursdottir, a language student, was the second Miss Iceland to win the Miss World title in four years. She crowned the first ever elected Miss USSR. Now she owns a health spa in Iceland and is the franchise holder for Miss World in her country. Due to declining viewership, Thames Television commercial network declared that Miss World 88 would be the last broadcast. In the next year, the contest was moved to Hong Kong. Korea, the host for the 1988 Olympic Games, had its representative finishing in second place (same placement of Miss Korea/Universe in 1988). The pageant took place in Spain and London.
Miss World 1987
Ulla WeigerstorferAUSTRIA
Twenty year-old veterinary student Ulla Weigerstorfer won the Miss World title despite not being favored by London betting agents. She looked stunned when she was handed the crown and scepter, but did not burst into tears. The favorite, Venezuelean television interviewer Albani Lozada Jimenez, finished as first runner-up. The second runner-up, Iceland's Anna Jonsdottir, was a prolific pageant competitor, having finished as a semi-finalist in the previous year's Miss International pageant, and later was unplaced in the Miss Universe 1988 pageant. Miss Argentina was the first woman from that country to compete in London after the Maldives (or Falkland) War. The preliminaries were held in the Mediterranean island of Malta and the final night in the famous Royal Albert Hall, in London. Days after Miss Austria won the Miss World crown a newspaper from Vienna, ' 'Kurier', announced that the beauty queen had posed nude for a magazine. the news were confirmed by magazine 'Basta'. However, before the pictures were seen or published anywhere, they mysteriously disappeared.
Miss World 1986
Giselle Jeanne-Marie LarondeTRINIDAD/TOBAGO
Giselle Laronde, a 23 year-old credit union employee from South Trinidad, won the pageant. She had hardly been noticed during the preliminaries, but made an impression on the judges at the finals. Her proud country later honored Laronde with four postage stamps. Miss USA, Halle Berry, shocked the audience and fellow contestants with her national costume, which was a skimpy flesh-colored body stocking, embroidered with ropes of beads and a few strategically placed stars. It was supposed to show "America's Advancement in Space." She admitted that she wanted "to catch the eye from the start." Halle was not only the first black Miss USA, but she has also become a talented actress, already awarded with a Golden Globe and an Emmy. MW 86's first runner-up, Denmark's Pia Rosenberg Larsen, was also first runner-up two months earlier in the Miss International pageant. The preliminaries for this pageant took place in Macau.
Miss World 1985
Holmfriour KarlsdóttirICELAND
Bets were on either Jamaica's Alison Barnett or Iceland's Hofi Karlsdottir to win the title - Miss Iceland won, while Miss Jamaica placed fifth. Journalist Ricardo Guiraldes, who covered the pageant for a Chilean newspaper in 1985, commented: "When we journalists put our eyes on Miss Iceland there was no doubt that she would become Miss World. She's one of the most stunning women I've ever seen!". Among the semi-finalists was Brazil's Leila Leal Bittencourt, who had better success in the next year, winning the title of Maja International 1986. Zaire's Benita Mureka, who had made a great impression in the previous Miss Universe pageant where she was in third place, was not only a semi-finalist but also won the Miss Photogenic award.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Miss World 1984
Astrid Carolina Herrera IrazábalVENEZUELA
Twelve of the 72 contestants were cross-overs from the Miss Universe pageant, among which semi-finalists from Austria, Finland, Holland and finalists from Australia, Brazil and Ireland. Before the contest Misses Brazil and Ireland had the best odds to take the crown with bookmakers. The winner, Venezuela's Astrid Herrera, also won the Miss Photogenic award. She was the center of a controversy involving animal-rights groups who objected to her being the official pinup of Venezuela's bullfighting sports. Today she's a famous actress in Latin America. Miss Canada, Connie Fitzpatrick, was often compared to Princess Diana. The Canadian contestant had beauty, personality and elegance that would fit any generation of beauty competitions. Miss Australia, Lou-Anne Caroline Ronchi, was a 'Bond girl' in the movie 'A View to Kill'. She also competed in Miss Universe 82 and was not a semi-finalist. Miss Brazil, Adriana Alves de Oliveira, was at the time a successful model in Europe. She placed in 4th in Miss Universe 81. Miss Ireland would go on to compete in Miss Universe 85,and once again she was #7. Miss Colombia, Angela Janiot, is currently on of the major presenters for CNN International in Spanish.
Miss World 1983
Sarah-Jane HuttUNITED KINGDOM
Sarah-Jane Hutt was the fourth Miss United Kingdom to win the Miss World title. She denied that she was the world's most beautiful woman, and some of the other 71 competitors agreed - Jamaica's Catherine Levy was so angry about not winning that she refused to attend the coronation ball. Miss Jamaica got a lot of noise and excitement every time she came out on stage. Miss Barbados, Nina McIntosh Clarke said about Hutt: "Miss UK was not the prettiest girl; we all think the judges were wrong." We disagree with both: Sarah-Jane's beauty, elegance and poise are hard to beat. The second runner-up, Brazil's Cátia Silveira Pedrosa, won the Miss Personality award. She went on to become an actress and a TV presenter. Years later she was on the cover of PLAYBOY magazine, unveiling a bit more than her perfect curves, like she did in a swimsuit during the Miss World competition.
Miss World 1982
Mariasela Alvarez LebronDOMINICAN REPUBLIC
In a year when so many pageant veterans competed for the title of Miss World (Lolita Morena of Switzerland was 3rd runner-up in Miss Universe 83; Roberta Brown, Miss Ireland who finished in third place in Miss Universe 83; Althea Rocke of Trinidad-Tobago was also favored; Sari Aspholm of Finland and Della Dolan of the UK, both semi-finalists in Miss Universe 82; these are a some examples) the unexpected winner was Mariasela Alvarez of the Dominican Republic, whose beauty was questioned by many. Some of the other 67 contestants complained after she was crowned. Miss Germany grumbled, "They might as well rename the contest Miss Virgin World. All they want is a safe little virgin who will trot around visiting hospitals for them." Mariasela retorted: "I am a virgin and proud of it. I will remain so until I am married." She was not indeed a 'classical beauty', however, she conquered the judges with her natural charm and personality. Lucky were those who betted their money on the lovely Dominican 'dark horse'. She remains the first woman to have won a major international beauty crown for her country. Amelia Vega followed suit in 2003 to win the Miss Universe crown!
Miss World 1981
Carmen Josefina "Pilín" León CrespoVENEZUELA
This year, Eric Morley introduces the "Continental Queens of Beauty". The delegate with the highest score for each continent was awarded the title along with a cash price and trophy. This year, Venezuela duplicated Australia's feat in 1972 winning both Miss World and Miss Universe (Irene Saez). Ever since, no other country has been able to match Venezuela's record when the topic of beauty pageants is concerned.
Miss World 1980
Kimberley Santos
Gabriella Brum
One day after being chosen as the most beautiful woman in the world, German model Gabriela Brum resigned claiming that her boyfriend disapproved of her winning. The 'naked truth' came about a few days later, when it was made public that the German beauty had posed nude for a magazine. The Morleys could not take the scandal and Kimberly Santos, Miss Guam, learned that anything is indeed possible. After getting so close to achieve her goal, hours after the pageant she was crowned Miss World 1980. Unexpectedly, Guam had won its only crown so far in the history of the pageant.
Miss World 1979
Gina Ann Cassandra SwainsonBERMUDA
Commonwealth countries swept the top four places in this year's pageant. A remarkable fact was that the winner, Bermuda's Gina Swainson and her first runner-up, England's Carolyn Seaward, had placed 2nd and 3rd in the Miss Universe pageant four months earlier. Swainson was studying wine making at the University of Wisconsin because her family owned a wine business in Bermuda. Austria's Karin Zorn, who was also in the Universe pageant, won the Miss Photogenic award as well as placing seventh - she would become Miss Europe in 1980. Venezuela's Tatiana Capote Abel was disqualified after one of her breasts popped out of her scanty one-piece swim suit, sending photographers scrambling for the best shot.
Miss World 1978
Silvana Rosa Suárez ClarenceARGENTINA
Susana Suarez could not believe her ears when Eric Morley announced that Miss World 78 was Miss Argentina. In any case, her victory was unquestionable - Susana was the most beautiful woman in 1978. The only woman who could have perhaps made a just as fantastic Miss World was Miss Mexico, one of the most breathtaking beauty to hail from the Aztec lands. Miss Costa Rica, Maribel Fernandez Garcia also competed in Miss Universe 78, when she was chosen by the photographers covering the event 'Miss Photogenic'. In London she became a semi-finalist. Miss Tunisia, Malak Nemlaghi, decided to quit the contest rather than take off her traditional garb and put on the costume for publicity pictures. One of her sponsors said she refused to help generate publicity, not out of respect for tradition. In a preliminary round she had appeared in a swimsuit.
Miss World 1977
Mary Ann Catrin StavinSWEDEN
The 7 most beautiful women in the world never looked so good! To pick one out of those 7 perfect ladies must have been that toughest job any panel of judges in a beauty pageant has ever had. Miss Sweden, Marie Ann-Catrin Stavins, a farmer's 20-year-old daughter, won the title. "I thought they'd choose anyone but me. I never expected it to be me," the gymnastics student said as she broke down in tears. Germany's Dagmar Winkler was a pageant veteran, having competed in the Miss Universe and Miss International pageants by the time she appeared at Miss World - where she won the Miss Photogenic award. Miss Brazil, Madalena Sbaraini, has been chosen by fellow Brazilians as the most beautiful representative Brazil ever had in a Miss World pageant. Miss United States, Cindy Miller, might also be the most beautiful American to have ever competed in Miss World. The pageant was marred by the second year in a row of walkouts by 10 of the 72 national titleholders in protest against South Africa's apartheid policies. Though there was no longer a black Miss Africa South, a blonde white woman - Vanessa Wannenberg - competed as Miss South Africa. She would be the last South African contestant at Miss World until 1991.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Miss World 1976
Cynthia Jane BreakspeareJAMAICA
The winner, Jamaica's Cindy Breakspeare, had been invited by the pageant's organization to represent Jamaica. She travelled with her own resources to London. Miss Jamaica contests were not held during the mid-1970, but at that time the requirement was that representatives win one national beauty title. Cindy had won the Miss Jamaica Bikini contest, thus she was eligible for Miss World. The contest was marred by a walk-out of nine of the 69 contestants in protest against the South Africa's double entry - one black and one white. The boycott was urged by the South African Non-Racial Olympic Committee (SANROC), which had a hand in the African and Arab boycott of the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. These countries were India, Mauritius, Liberia, Malaysia, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Swaziland and Yugoslavia. Miss World 76 was a physical-fitness instructor, 5 feet 6 inches tall and her statistics were 35-24-36. Although no one could contest Cindy's victory, another 'near perfect beauty' was Miss Guam. She had the face of an angel, and everytime she came out on stage the British crowd went wild.
Miss World 1975
Wilnelia Merced CruzPUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico's Wilnelia Merced , the last Miss World titleholder to be crowned in a swimsuit, had been modelling for four years before winning the title. Eric Morley's preference was the first runner-up from Germany, but Wilnelia proved to be the better choice after nude photographs of Miss Germany were printed in the morning newspapers. years later Wilnelia would marry British personality Bruce Forsythe. She has been a Miss World judge in several occasions. Among the semi-finalists was the very lovely Miss Saint Lucia, a 19 year-old textile student who remains the only beauty from her Caribbean island to become a Miss World finalist. Another finalist, Venezuela's Mara Conchita Alonso, would become a famous Latin singer and actress
Miss World 1973
Anneline KrielSOUTH AFRICA
South Africa's Anneline Kriel finished second in the contest to UK'S Helen Morgan, who resigned her title after only four days due to uproar over her status as an unmarried mother and being named as the other woman in a divorce case. Anneline's soft blonde looks and gentle eyes gave her an air of delicate frailty. She had high moral standards, and still feels that sex before marriage is a sin. She was engaged to a theological student, but had to jilt her fiance a few months into her busy Miss World schedule.
Miss World 1973
Marjorie WallaceUNITED STATES
The USA's Marjorie Wallace was the first American winner of the Miss World title, beating 53 other competitors. She was stripped of her title 104 days later, in March 1974, because she "had failed to fulfill the basic requirements of the job." The head-strong, fun-loving Marjorie was unable to cope with fame and engaged in a series of high-living exploits with prominent music and sports figures that brought disrepute to her title. Other sources claim that the real reason behind her losing her crown was a statement she made in one of her public appearances. Marjorie would have said, "As Miss World I can get laid with any man I pick". It is said that she had affairs with famous car racers, actors and singers. Well, keep in mind she was a queen in the early 70s. Miss Jamaica, the 2nd runner-up, fulfilled Miss World's obligation without having never been officially crowned Miss World as 1st runner-up Evangeline Pascual of the Philippines refused the crown
Miss World 1972
Belinda Roma GreenAUSTRALIA
What a great year in beauty pageants 1972 was for Australia! A Miss World crown, a Miss Universe crown, and a first runner-up position in Miss International - a record broken only by India just last year (2000). Belinda Green and her three siblings were brought up by their mother in the poor suburbs of Sydney, after her father died. In the years after her reign as Miss World she was resourceful enough to hitch-hike twice around the world. Nonetheless, the greatest celebrity to come out of that year's pageant was not Belinda, but Miss United State - no other than Lynda Carter, soon to be known as 'Wonder Woman'.
Miss World 1971
Lúcia Tavares PetterleBRAZIL
Lucia Petterle agreed to participate in the Miss Guanabara state pageant because she wanted to win car. She did, and she went on to compete for the Miss Brazil crown, and as first runner-up she left to London. The rest is history... After her victory, Lucia Petterle, upon the advice of the Brazilian Embassy in London, challenged the pageant organizers' control and percentage charge. In the end, unsure that she even wanted to exploit her role, she returned home to resume her medical studies and settled in Rio de Janeiro where she qualified as a doctor. The first runner-up, UK's Marilyn Ward, was a semi-finalist as Miss England in the Miss Universe pageant four months earlier. USA's Karen Brucene Smith (picture above), who ended in sixth place, had better success later when she won the Miss International title in 1974. Miss Portugal, Ana Paula de Almeida, is the best placed woman in a beauty pageant ever
Miss World 1970
Jennifer Josephine HostenGRENADA
Jennifer Hosten was the winner of one of the most controversial pageants ever. First there were the protests by feminists and Britain's Liberal Party militants, who objected against the participation of a white (Miss South Africa) and a black contestant (Miss Africa South) from South Africa. It was the first time it happened, and the liberals believed it would propagate the policy of apartheid. Then came the victory of Miss Grenada, a woman whose odds to win were of 100 to 1 before the pageant. What was very peculiar about her surprising victory was the fact that one of the judges was Sir Eric Gairy, the prime minister of Grenada. In any case, Jennifer deserves credit for being the first ever black woman to win one of the three major beauty crowns. The first runner-up was also black: Miss Africa South. The favorite, Miss Sweden, got most votes for 1st place (4 against 2 of Miss Grenada), but ended up only was 3rd runner-up thanks to Miss World's complex 'majority voting system'.
Miss World 1969
Eva Rueber StaierAUSTRIA
The winner, Austria's Eva Rueber-Staier, was a late favorite of the betting bookers late in the evening of the finals. She wrote in her diary on the day before the event that Venezuela's Marcia Piazza "has already dreamed that she's won the contest. She goes around telling everyone she's going to win, and everyone else might just as well pack up and go home." Marcia was disappointed with her fifth-place finish. Miss Malta, Mary Brincat, so far is the only one of 79 delegates from her country ever to make it into the semi-finals in any of the Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International pageants
Miss World 1968
Penelope PlummerAUSTRALIA
Penelope was the first Australia to ever win a major international beauty pageant. The favorites though were Miss Israel (best odds to win the crown) and a nun - Miss Philippines. Cecilia Amabuyok was the most popular girl among the contestants. At a banquet given by the male members of Britain's Variety Club, the men whistled, stamped their feet and hoisted her on a table, several cheering her as "Miss World 1968." She was actually the first Roman Catholic nun to be in a beauty contest. Her Mother Superior was furious after she secretly entered and won the Miss Republic of the Philippines contest. Cecilia managed to convince the convent sisters that she would bring them honor - "Now everyone will know that nuns can be beautiful and nice, too" - and she was finally granted four weeks' leave of absence. Miss Philippines finished in 5th place while Miss Israel was second.
Miss World 1967
Madeline Hartog Bel HoughtonPERU
Madeleine Hartog-Bel, Miss Peru, a rave-haired, flashing-eyed photographic model - statistics 35-23-35 - became Miss World 67 at London's Lyceum Ballroom on November 16 of that year. She received the crown from India's Reita Faria. The results in 1967 were a triumph for Latin America, with Miss Argentina placed second and Miss Guyana third. Miss UK, Jennifer Lewis, who was joint favorite in the betting, came in 5th and said later that she had not expected to get so far. Miss Peru, who received $2,500 + $30,000 during her year of reigning, was so overcome she fainted on stage. She had to be revived with smelling salts. The big surprise of the contest was the failure of strongly-favored Miss South Africa to advance into Top 7 from the semi-finals. All 55 contestants participated in the final event despite an illness which forced five of them - from Finland, Denmark, Italy, Lebanon and New Zealand - to rest in bed during the last-minute rehearsal. Even Miss Greece, suffering from tonsilitis, appeared on stage
Miss World 1966
Reita FariaINDIA
Encouraged by her fellow medical students, Reita Faria had entered the Miss Bombay contest as a joke, and was surprised when she not only won it, but also was sent to London as India's Miss World representative. Reita did not take the event too seriously, she was cool and unconcerned. During her interview with the television announcer, she spoke far better and more intelligently than the other semi-finalists. She looked radiant and the judges were almost unanimous in choosing her as the winner. Canada's Diane Coulter was favored by London betting agents to win, and had received one of the warmest rounds of applause from the audience, but failed to advance into the finals - she was a semi-finalist.
Miss World 1965
Lesley LangleyUNITED KINGDOM
There was uproar when Lesley Langley, a successful model, won the Miss World contest, the third British woman to do so in five years. Even Eric Morley was surprised, as he did not think that she would win. Lesley also broke a Miss World rule by having an agent and a manager to act on her behalf, instead of the pageant organizers. However, Mr. Morley did not disqualify her, because he "did not want to be vicious." The first runner-up, USA's Dianna Lynn Batts, later gained notoriety as Dian Parkinson of the TV show "The Price is Right", from which she was kicked out during the 1980s because of a scandalous affair with the host, Bob Barker
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