Rosanna Davison says winning Miss World changed her life forever – admitting she never expected the fame would go on to last 20 years.
Next year marks two decades since Rosanna was crowned Miss Ireland and the even more prestigious title of Miss World, at just 19 years old.
Looking back to when it all began, the now mother-of-three says she remembers the moment clearly.
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She told Irish Daily Mirror: “A lot [has changed] and it doesn’t feel like it really either, because I remember the whole thing so clearly.
“In a way when you think about what’s happened in the interim, as with anyone looking back to 20 years ago, you know, a lot has happened.
“But then again your memories are clear. That’s a strange feeling.”
Rosanna spent the early years of her win enjoying a jet-setting lifestyle, travelling all over the globe to celebrate her new title. Juggling the thrill of new experiences with jet lag and missing home, she admits it was the best and worst elements of winning.
“It’s part of the experience and I made the most of it all,” she added.
The model turned nutritionist and author then went on to spend years finishing her studies – and completed a Masters in Nutrition in 2019.
And she believes it is the career she would have pursued even further had she not bagged the crown.
The daughter of Lady in Red crooner Chris de Burgh said: “I was a first year student in UCD and I really wanted to do something like physiotherapy or sports science or something like that.
“And I did end up studying nutrition but I went a different route and it took a lot longer than I thought.”
Speaking at the official launch of Miss Ireland 2022, where she attended as a special guest on the night, she added: “This has been a career that I never expected to still be in 20 years later.
“And I thought maybe I would do my years of Miss World and that would be enjoyable but I go back to college to be a normal student and that would be that. So I didn’t expect to still be here 20 years later.”
Met by over 30 excited new hopefuls all looking for her photo and advice on the white themed night, she said: “I was kind of overwhelmed. It’s a long time ago now and I mean, it’s lovely to think that they look up to, you know, former Miss Irelands and that they’re entering the competition to follow in their footsteps.”
Rosanna said the competition is more than just about being a pretty face now more than ever.
She added: “I think that’s as much about personality and it’s about you know, your confidence and having fun with the whole experience as it is about you know how you look on stage so I would just always encourage people to just really enjoy themselves and relax and feel confident.
“Enjoy the whole process and take opportunities as they come in.”
Rosanna believes this is part of the reason the competition is still as popular and relevant today.
She said: “I feel that when the message is correct and it is all about giving women confidence or giving them a platform to talk about whatever causes are important.
“And I think that can be really powerful for women you know, And I do think it still has a place today. It’s about inclusivity and all of that and I feel it always has been on the inside of it.”
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