« Back to article

Print this article

A look at all the Miss Universe pageant winners '09

We all know Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez bagged the Miss Universe 2009 crown at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas yesterday. Here's a look at the newly-minted beauty queen and the competition's runners up.

Eighteen-year-old Stefania created history by taking the crown back to Venezuela for another year from 2008 winner Dayana Mendoza. Here she is seen smiling onstage shortly after her triumph.

A perfect 10

The brown-haired, brown-eyed beauty shone all through the competition, particularly in the swimsuit round, where her love of tennis and swimming paid off with a score of 8.760.

Miss Dominican Republic

Ada de la Cruz, 23, bagged First Runner Up position for the Dominican Republic.

Sultry stunner

It was the first time since 2003, when contestant Amelia Vega won the crown, that the country finished off in such a high position. And it's all thanks to this sultry stunner.

Miss Kosovo

This is only the second time Kosovo has been represented at the Miss Universe pageant -- last year Zana Krasniqi made it to sixth position, this year Marigona Dragusha clinched it as Second Runner Up. Impressive!

Young achiever

Marigona is only 18 and has performed well for her age. She is seen here pre-taping her opening number on August 18 for the final pageant.

Miss Australia

Twenty one-year-old Australian Rachael Finch was the Third Runner Up at this year's pageant. The statuesque 5'9" looker also ranked fourth in the evening gown round, with a score of 9.039.

Well-groomed

The well-groomed gal also showed up for rehearsals (seen here) looking gorgeous, which must have gone in her favour. Don't miss her trendy jumpsuit!

Miss Puerto Rico

And finally, in the position of Fourth Runner Up we have Puerto Rican Mayra Matos, 20. She stood seventh and third in the swimsuit and evening gown rounds, respectively.

Up to the challenge

For the traditional costume competition, Mayra wore a boxing costume, complete with robe, gloves and the Coat of arms of Puerto Rico. It was a salute to the Puerto Rican boxing tradition, which has produced more champions per capita than any other place on earth.

Miss China

In the Special Awards segment, the title of Miss Congeniality went to Miss China, 21-year-old Wang Jingyao.

Miss Thailand

And finally, Thai contestant Chutima Durongdej, 23, won the Miss Photogenic title. She is seen here pre-taping her opening number for the pageant.