Witnessed by more than a billion viewers all around the globe, the 22-year-old South African beauty Rolene Strauss was crowned ‘Miss World 2014’ on Saturday night.
The grand event took place at the ExCeL exhibition centre in London on Sunday, and the venue was blessed with the presence of some eminent names in the fashion industry.
Edina Kulcsar, Miss Hungary was declared as the runner up in the 64th Annual Competition. The most expected contestant, Miss United States, Elizabeth Safrit came third in this event where 121 women from 121 nations competed for the most celebrated title.
Upon the announcement of the result, Rolene Strauss, the aspiring medical student clasped her hands together in surprise. She was then crowned by the the outgoing Miss World, Megan Young from Philippines.
Dedicating the crown to her beloved country, Strauss said, “South Africa this is for you. I think I will brace myself for what’s about to happen. It’s a huge responsibility.
“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”.
The event also honored Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, former Miss World 1994. The 41 year old actress received a special 20 year award for her charitable work with children with cleft palates.
She came out to receive the award with her husband Abhishek Bachchan, their daughter Aaradhya and her mother. After receiving the award, she told that she was overwhelmed by the honor.