The 2014 Miss World pageant crowned its winner in London Sunday, and it’s Rolene Strauss, Miss South Africa.
The 22-year-old, who is a fourth-year medical student at the University of the Free State, wore a pale pink cleavage-baring gown and beat out 122 other contestants when she won the title after a flashy ceremony at the Excel London ICC Auditorium.
Strauss, whose platform is improving education in her country, is the first South African to hold the title in over 40 years.
“South Africa this is for you,” Strauss said as she grinned and waved to the crowd.
“I think I will brace myself for what’s about to happen. It’s a huge responsibility.”
Elizabeth Safrit, the United States’ representative, placed third and was one of two runner-ups in the beauty pageant.
Safrit is from a small town in North Carolina, and was Miss North Carolina before winning the Miss America competition in Washington, D.C. this July.