Miss World 2007: A Global Celebration of Beauty and Purpose

The 57th edition of the Miss World pageant took place on December 1, 2007, at the Crown of Beauty Theatre in Sanya, China. Hosted by Angela Chow and Fernando Allende, the event was broadcast on SMG, E!, and Challenge. 106 contestants from around the world competed for the coveted crown.

Zhang Zilin, Miss World 2007
Zhang Zilin, Miss World 2007

The contestants also participated in a significant collaboration between the Beijing Olympic Committee and Miss World Limited by recording the official torch relay anthem, "Light the Passion, Share the Dream," for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Notable Contestants and Representatives

Several interesting situations arose with contestants from different countries:

  • Belarus: Yulia Sindzeyeva, the 1st Runner-up of Miss Belarus 2006, was initially slated to compete in Miss World 2007. However, she instead participated in Miss International in Japan, where she became 2nd runner-up. Her contract with the Japanese organization prevented her from attending Miss World.
  • Curaçao: Lisaika Everitz, Miss World Curaçao, was deemed ineligible for Miss World 2007 due to not meeting the age requirements. She was replaced by Naemi Monte, who subsequently filed a lawsuit against the franchise holder, Reprod, to reclaim her right to represent the island.
  • Latvia: Ina Avlasēviča, Miss Latvia 2006, later competed in Miss World 2008.
  • Vietnam: Đặng Minh Thu, Miss Sea 2007 and 2nd Runner-up of Miss Vietnam World 2007, was chosen by Elite Vietnam as the country's representative at Miss World 2007.
  • Republic of the Congo: Pupuce Ngalla Ibata, the national director of Miss Congo (COMICO), reported that Congo would not participate in Miss World 2007 because the Miss World Organization never responded to their franchise application.

Miss International 2007

The 47th Miss International pageant was held on October 15, 2007, at The Hotel Prince Park Tower in Tokyo, Japan. Yasuhiko Akasaka and Kyoko Kamei hosted the event, which was broadcast on TV Tokyo. 61 contestants from around the world competed for the title.

Contestants shared their messages of goodwill and intentions if they were to win:

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  • One contestant expressed a desire to advocate for children's human rights and speak out against violence and ecological risks.
  • Another aimed to bring hope to underprivileged people worldwide.
  • A contestant from Belarus wanted to help those affected by Chernobyl and provide gifts to children in hostels.
  • Another hoped to emphasize climate change through charity work.
  • One contestant planned to visit her new friends in their countries to learn about their cultures.
  • Another expressed a desire to be a teacher and use the Miss International platform to fulfill the dreams of others.
  • A contestant aimed to introduce the history and culture of Asia and Korea to promote harmony.
  • One hoped to promote dialogue between people and nations.
  • Another emphasized investing in the health, safety, and education of youth.
  • One contestant expressed a desire to combine the title with being a UNICEF ambassador.
  • Another hoped to spread a message of peace and continue drug prevention efforts.

Greece placed 1st runner-up for the 2nd time. Hong Kong won Miss Friendship award for the 6th time and for the 4th consecutive year.

Miss World 2007 - Crowning Moment

Miss South Africa

Miss South Africa is a national beauty pageant in South Africa that selects South African representatives to compete in one of the Big Four international beauty pageants, Miss Universe. Established in 1956, the first official Miss South Africa pageant was organized to send a representative to London for the Miss World pageant.

Here is a list of all the winners from the last 16 years:

YearWinnerNotes
2000Jo-Ann StraussModel, public speaker, businesswoman; represented SA at Miss World and Miss Universe 2001.
2001Vanessa CarreiraMother of 4, successful businesswoman and presenter.
2002Cindy NellRepresented SA at Miss Universe 2003, placed 2nd runner-up; TV presenter and businesswoman.
2003Joan RamagoshiSuccessful businesswoman, entrepreneur, and speaker.
2004Claudia HenkelPR and communications manager at Sun International.
2005Nokuthula SitholeEntrepreneur, motivational speaker, and life coach.
2006Megan ColemanHolds a Bachelor of Social Science degree; runs an image consulting business.
2007Tansey CoetzeeRepresented SA at Miss Universe 2008 (Top 15) and Miss World 2008 (Top 5).
2008Tatum KeshwarRepresented SA at Miss Universe 2009 (Top 10) and Miss World 2009 (2nd Runner-Up).
2009Nicole FlintModel, radio and TV presenter, and public relations professional.
2010Bokang MontjaneRepresented SA at Miss Universe 2011 and Miss World 2011.
2011Melinda BamModel and B.Com Marketing student; has a swimwear line.
2012Marilyn RamosStudied Interior Architecture; represented SA at Miss Universe 2013 and Miss World 2013.
2014Rolene StraussMedical student; also won Miss World 2014.
2015Liesl LaurieBCom graduate.

Three Miss South Africas, namely Rolene Strauss, Anneline Kriel and Penelope Coelen, have won the Miss World titles in 2014, 1974 and 1958 respectively. From 1970 to 1976, South Africa had one white and one black representative at Miss World.

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