A Polish model and Master's student has been crowned the 70th winner of Miss World by Peter Andre in Puerto Rico. Miss Poland Karolina Biewleska, 23, beat off 97 other contestants to win the title of Miss World 2021.
The competition took place at the rescheduled final, in San Juan, on Wednesday night (16/3). The prestigious beauty pageant was due to take place back in December but was scrapped hours before it was due to start after dozens of beauty queens were struck down with Covid.
Karolina wins $100,000 (£74,682) by taking the crown and becomes the second Polish beauty queen to win the title, following Aneta Beata Kreglicka in 1989. After being crowned, she said: “When I heard my name I was shocked, I still can’t believe it. I am honoured to wear the Miss World crown and can’t wait to get to work. I will remember this amazing chapter in Puerto Rico for the rest of my life.”
Posting on Instagram, she added: "I still cannot believe I’ve just became the second Miss World in Polish history. I am more than proud to bring that crown to my country. I have no words to express how extremely grateful I am for this opportunity and a huge amount of support I’ve received from so many people. I would have never come so far by myself. I believe that we are all placed here for a purpose and I have never been more excited for fulfilling mine. Thank you God, I give all my glory to you."
The first runner-up title went to Miss United States, Shree Saini and the second runner-up was Miss Cote d’Ivoire, Olivia Yace. Miss Northern Ireland Anna Leich was the only UK contestant to reach the final six.
Karolina is currently studying a Master’s Degree in Management while working as a model and aspires to be a motivational speaker or TV host. She says she enjoys travelling, swimming, scuba diving, and playing tennis, as well as undertaking voluntary work. She provides help to homeless people by providing hot meals, food packages, clothing and medical support for almost 300 people in need in Lodz, the third largest city in Poland.
The Miss World final show was broadcast globally to over 100 countries and was presented by Peter Andre. The singer, 49, updated followers on social media by posting a video saying: " I'm hosting Miss World. Not just Miss World but the 70th. This event is incredible. The vibe is unbelievable."
The show also featured a special tribute to the organisation's legacy from Miss World 1975 winner Wilnelia Merced Forsyth- who was married to Sir Bruce Forsyth.
