Pauline Vega (Photo : Reuters)
Miss Colombia Pauline Vega won as Miss Universe 2014.
The 22-year-old beauty queen defeated 87 girls including the 1st runner-up Miss USA Nia Sanchez. Vega is a business administration student from Barranquilla, Colombia and it is her first time to join a beauty pageant. After her reign, the beauty queen plans to continue her studies.
Before winning the crown, Vega was asked about the responsibilities of a winner in an interview. The Colombian beauty said that the opportunity to represent modern women is "a dream come true." For her, a woman does not only care about physical looks but with her personality as well such as being smart and diligent.
The judges were impressed with Vega's reply during the question and answer portion. The contestant was asked about the things that women can learn from men. Vega answered equality since there are men who believe in that. Vega also gained the judges' nod when she donned the revealing pink bikini and silver evening gown, according to E! News.
The pageant's 2nd runner up was Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha and the 3rd runner up was Miss Netherlands Yasmin Verheijen. The 4th place went to Miss Jamaica Kaci Fenell who donned a unique and short hairstyle.
Fenell said that the women do not need to look similar with long flowing hair. The Jamaican beauty added that she is just "representing herself" since that is the true essence of Miss Universe, Daily Mail reported.
Miss USA Nia Sanchez who bagged the 1st runner-up title has also an uncommon hobby for beauty queens, which is Tae Kwon Do. For her, it is important that women can defend themselves. Danger is rampant in the society and she believes in taking control of the situation as a woman.
The Miss Universe 2014 wrapped up successfully on Jan. 25 at FIU Arena in Florida with performers such as Nick Jonas and Gavin DeGraw.
