Karolina Bielawska from Poland crowned Miss World 2021

Poland's Karolina Bielawska has been crowned Miss World 2021 at the 70th edition of the pageant at San Juan, Puerto Rico.

She beat USA, Indonesia, Mexico, Northern Ireland and Cote d’Ivoire to clinch the coveted title. Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh of Jamaica crowned her successor at the finale.

Shree Saini of USA and Olivia Yacé of Cote D’Ivoire emerged as the first and second runners-up, respectively.

According to missworld.com, Karolina, who is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Management wishes to pursue her PhD. Currently, working as a model, she hopes to become a motivational speaker.

“When I heard my name I was shocked, I still can’t believe it. I am honoured to wear the Miss World crown and can’t wait to get to work. I will remember this amazing chapter in Puerto Rico for the rest of my life,” she was quoted by the pageant organisers.

The website mentions that Karolina is “very passionate about the voluntary work that she is involved with”. Her Beauty with a Purpose project ‘Zupa Na Pietrynie’ provides constant help to homeless people in crisis as well as raise awareness of this problem and fight against social exclusion. Every Sunday, Karolina prepares hot meals, sandwiches, food packages, hot drinks and medical support for around 300 homeless people and those in need.

She also furthered her support for the homeless community by organising a pop up COVID-19 vaccination centre. Many of the homeless people were unable to register to receive the vaccine as they do not have ID cards. Karolina felt it was important not only for them to feel safe, but also to feel equal by having the opportunity to receive the vaccine, the website states.

The contest was conducted in two parts — one in December 2021 and again in March 2022 — owing to the rising Covid cases.