Miss World 1968

Penelope Plummer
AUSTRALIA

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.