MISS SOUTH AFRICA CROWNED MISS WORLD

Miss South Africa and 2014 Miss World Rolene Strauss reacts after being crowned during the grand final of the Miss World 2014 pageant in London on December 14, 2014 (AFP Photo/Leon Neal).

London (AFP) – Miss South Africa, 22-year-old Rolene Strauss, was crowned Miss World 2014 at the contest’s glitzy final in London on Sunday, with an estimated billion viewers watching on television around the globe.

Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsar, was judged the runner-up and Miss United States, Elizabeth Safrit, came third in the 64th annual competition, contested by women from 121 countries.

Medical student Strauss clasped her hands together in surprise and was crowned by the outgoing Miss World, Megan Young of the Philippines, to huge cheers in the ExCeL exhibition centre.

Miss South Africa and the 2014 Miss World Rolene Strauss (2L) sits after being crowned, flanked by first runner up Miss Hungary Edina Kulcsar (L) and second runner up Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit (3L) in London on December 14, 2014 (AFP Photo/Leon Neal).

“South Africa this is for you,” Strauss said. “I think I will brace myself for what’s about to happen. It’s a huge responsibility.”

She told AFP she wanted to help spread education in her homeland and thereby help other people realise their dreams.

“I am what I am today because of the opportunities I have received and I would love to give others the same opportunities; educating, the opportunity to be educated, to make healthy choices and also to live their dreams,” Strauss said.

And she was already getting used to the glittering crown.

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Miss South Africa and the 2014 Miss World, Rolene Strauss (C), dances with first runner up Miss Hungary Edina Kulcsar (L) and second runner up Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit (R) during the grand final in London on December 14, 2014 (AFP Photo/Leon Neal).