Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss was crowned Miss World 2014 on Sunday, with Hungary’s Edina Kulcsár and Miss USA Elizabeth Safrit earning spots as first and second runners-up respectively.

Who Is Miss World Rolene Strauss?

Strauss, 22, is a forth-year medical student at University of the Free State, though she took a break from school to compete in the pageant. “Everyone in my town called me little Dr. Strauss,” Strauss said.

She is the first Miss South Africa to take home the crown since Penelope Anne Coelen won the title of Miss World in 1958. “South Africa this is for you. I think I will brace myself for what’s about to happen. It’s a huge responsibility,” Strauss said after her win.

Strauss competed against 122 women to win the crown and says she intends to use her new title as Miss World to spread the message of “hope and unity” throughout the world. This includes working with Miss World CEO Julia Morley and “Beauty With a Purpose,” a Miss World program that helps Miss World contestants’ charitable programs.

Strauss inherits the crown from Miss World 2013 Meagan Young of the Philippines.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.