Poland wins Miss World 2021 crown, in controversial gala
San Juan, Mar 16 (EFE).- Polish representative Karolina Bielawska won the Miss World 2021 crown Wednesday at a gala in Puerto Rico surrounded by controversy.
The first finalist was the American Shree Saini and the second was Olivia Yace, from the Ivory Coast, one of the favorites of the 70th edition of the beauty pageant.
“When I heard my name I was surprised, I still can’t believe it. I feel honored,” Bielawska said through tears, being crowned by Jamaican Toni-Ann Singh, who remained the latest winner from 2019 due to the cancellation of the pageant since 2020 due to the pandemic.
Bielawska, 23, is studying for a master’s degree in administration and said she enjoys doing volunteer work to be “more authentic” and “enrich the lives” of other people.
“If you want to discover something new, try to learn to be richer in empathy, gratitude and compassion,” she answered in the questions round.
During the gala, which took place at the Coca Cola Music Hall in San Juan, controversy reigned due to legal problems between organizers and the non-election of some Latinas, such as the representative of Venezuela, Alejandra Conde, even for the Top 12.
The final of the contest was scheduled for Dec. 16 at the Puerto Rico Coliseum, but had to be postponed three months after 38 positive Covid-19 cases were recorded among candidates and technical teams.
This week 40 of the 97 Miss World contestants, the quarter-finalists, returned to the Caribbean island, parading on a stage enlivened by the Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra.
The top 12, made up of 13 participants this time due to a tie, comprised Vietnam, Mexico, Northern Ireland, the Philippines, Poland, Somalia, the United States, Colombia, the Czech Republic, France, India, Indonesia and the Ivory Coast.
The American Shree Saini; Poland’s Bielawska; Indonesian Pricilia Yules, Mexican Karolina Vidales, Northern Ireland’s Anna Leitch and Ivorian Olivia Yace, made the next round. EFE
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