Miss Venezuela, Ivian Sarcos , has won the coveted Miss World 2011 title at Earls Court in London, the city where the first Miss World was staged in 1951.
The 21-year-old, who was the favorite going into the final rounds, beat out contestants — including Gwendoline Ruais (Miss Philippines), who placed 2nd in the event, and Amanda Perez (Miss Puerto Rico), who came in third — in the contest from over 100 other countries to win the ultimate beauty accolade.
“I believe that the next Miss World should be a woman of responsibility and reason,” Sarcos told the judging panel, prior to winning the contest. “I believe the woman should be committed to the organization and help people in need. Beauty with a heart.”
After the win, Sarcos explained to reporters that the achievement showed that being orphaned at a young age was no barrier to accomplishing one’s goals in life.
The Daily Mail reports that Sarcos’ parents both died when she was 8, leaving the young girl to be raised by nuns in a convent in Cojedes for five years. So influential was this period in her life that she once dreamed of becoming a nun but eventually gave up the idea, when she realized she wanted the fame and success that being a model could bring.
“I would like to help people like me,” the 61st Miss World said following her win. “I am an orphan. I would also like to help the elderly and troubled teenagers. As many people as I can.”
As the reigning Miss World, Sarcos will spend the next year visiting and supporting a range of charity projects supported by the Miss World Organization’s “ Beauty with a Purpose ” program.
According to the IB Times, the efforts of the Beauty with a Purpose program have raised $800 million in its 40 years.
Congratulations Ivian Sarcos! To watch watch the newly crowned Miss World 2011 receive her award, check out the video below:
via Reuters Image: Missworld.com
