With just an elegant gown and a strong dedication to volunteering, Olivia Wells, a girl from Melbourne, achieved victory as Miss Universe Australia.
The 19-year-old medical student triumphed over 29 other competitors on Friday night and will now represent Australia at the pageant final in Moscow this November.
Wearing a beautiful cream and silver evening gown, Ms. Wells shared her surprise and happiness over her victory, expressing her desire to be a representative for all Australian women in her capacity as Miss Universe ambassador.
“It feels surreal to transition from being a young girl passionate about science and maths in high school to achieving this,” she remarked.
“I embody the 99.9 percent of Australian women who are not flawless, who aren’t size zero, and who faced bullying in school.”
“My dad checked the odds on Sportsbet this morning, and I was 55 to one; I told him, ‘don’t bet on me, or you’ll jinx my luck.'”
The 30 participants showcased their talents in swimsuit and evening wear segments before a Q&A round reduced the finalists to five.
When her moment arrived, Ms Wells was questioned about which disadvantaged communities she would wish to assist if she were to win the crown.
In response, she reflected on her volunteer work with refugee and migrant students and expressed her aspiration to serve as a physician in underdeveloped countries.
“Continuity is crucial when it comes to volunteering and supporting individuals,” she explained.
“It’s vital to acknowledge that there are those in our own communities who require our assistance.”
This year’s five finalists featured strong candidates from both Victoria and New South Wales, including Marsi Fernandez, Tegan Martin, Kristy Coulcher, and Mary Vitinaros.
Ms Wells, currently pursuing a bachelor of medicine and science, asserted that her ambition of becoming a surgeon does not conflict with winning the title.
“I might face criticism for being a surgeon who was also a pageant winner, but why do they have to be mutually exclusive?” she stated.
“My passion lies in working abroad in less developed nations, and in those places, people will care more about receiving essential medical care than about my past as a pageant winner.”
