Miss France wins Miss Universe crown

Tuesday, 31 January 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

MANILA (Reuters): A 24-year-old woman from Paris won the Miss Universe crown on Monday, in a three-hour show in the Philippine capital that focused on diversity and overcoming life struggles, besting 85 hopefuls from all over the world.

Iris Mittenaere, who is pursuing a degree in dental surgery, won the 65th edition of the annual competition hosted for the third time by the Philippines.

“I was very surprised I won, I feel blessed,” said Mittenaere, who had been described on the Miss Universe website as hoping “to advocate for dental and oral hygiene” if she won.“Miss Universe was a dream, every girl wants to be Miss Universe...the stage is amazing, everything is amazing.” She added, “I want to help people, I want to understand people, I want to meet people, that’s why this is a dream for me.” Raquel Pelissier of Haiti is the first runner-up, while Andrea Tovar of Colombia placed second runner-up.