Miss World 2008 winner Kseniya Sukhinova bikini photo

Kseniya Sukhinova comes from Nizhnevartovsk in the Tyumen region, found in the north west of Siberia. Kseniya Sukhonova is pursuing a B. Sc (Bachelor of Science) degree in Engineer of Administration from the Tyumen Oil and Gas University. Click here to read more about the new Miss World 2008, Kseniya Sukhinova from Russia

The first runner-up was Parvathy Omanakuttan, Miss India World 2008.

Miss India 2008 Parvathy Omanakuttan is the first runner-up in the Miss World 2008 pageant

The second runner-up was Miss Trinidad & Tobago World 2008, Gabrielle Walcott. 24-year-old Gabrielle belongs to Trinidad and has a degree in Visual and Theatre Arts from the University of the West Indies.
She is pursuing a second degree in Acting and Theatre Arts, in New York.

Gabrielle is currently a youth ambassador to the UN.

Her motto is Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

Miss Trinidad & Tobago World 2008 Gabrielle Walcott was the second runner-up in the Miss World 2008 pageant

1) Miss India World 2008, Parvathy Omanakuttan

Parvathy Omanakuttan Miss India World 2008

20-year-old Parvathy Omanakuttan is the Miss India 2008 winner. She was born in Changanassery, Kottayam, Kerala, and now lives in Mumbai. Paravathy has completed her Bachelor of Arts in English literature and wants to study Psychology further.

Parvathy’s motto is Dream with your eyes open.

She has been given 15/1 odds by punters to be the Miss World 2008 winner.

2) Miss Ukraine World 2008, Irina Zhuravskaya

Irina Zhuravskaya Miss Ukraine World 2008

Top favorite to be the Miss World 2008 winner, 18-year-old Irina Zhuravskaya is the Miss Ukraine World 2008 winner.

The stunning Irina is studying history, psychology, arts and literature at the Kyiv Pedagogical University. Irina is also a model attached to the KARIN MMG agency, and a TV weather forecast reporter.

Irina’s motto is Step back from evil and create blessings.

Irina has been given 6/1 odds to be the Miss World 2008 winner.

3) Miss Russia World 2008, Kseniya Sukhinova

Kseniya Sukhinova bikini photo

Kseniya Sukhinova is the Miss Russia World 2007. Sukhinova, who can speak both English and Russian, is currently pursuing a B. Sc (Bachelor of Science) degree in Engineer of Administration from the Tyumen Oil and Gas University. Sukhinova is the Miss World Top Model 2008 winner in the Miss World 2008 track events.

Miss Russia has been given 18/1 odds to be the Miss World 2008 winner, though some have given Miss Russia 2/1 odds to be the Miss World 2008 winner.

Her motto is Respect people around you, and people will respect you.

4) Miss Mexico World 2008, Espinoza Ana Gabriela

Espinoza Ana Gabriela Miss World Best Beach Wear 2008 winner

Espinoza Ana Gabriela is the Miss Mexico 2007 winner. Espinoza is the Miss World Beach Beauty 2008 winner, in the Miss World 2008 contest so far. Espinoza is studying International Tourism and wants to work in the Mexico tourism sector.

She has been given 10/1 odds to be the Miss World 2008 winner.

Espinoza’s motto is Go for what you want, always enjoy the journey and love every step you take.

5) Miss Brazil World 2008, Tamara Almeida Silva

Tamar Ziskind bikini photo

Tamara Almeida Silva is the Miss Brazil 2008 winner. Tamara, who wants to be a judge, is studying law and is now in her fifth year. Tamara is also a trained dancer in classical ballet and jazz.

Her motto is Don’t waste your time only dreaming, make it happen! Tamara works with an NGO Amigos da Terra that works for the protection of Brazilian forests.

She has been given 20/1 odds to be the Miss World 2008 winner.

6) Miss South Africa World 2008, Tansey Coetzee

Tansey Coetzee Miss South Africa World 2008 bikini photo

Tansey Coetzee is the Miss South Africa 2007 contest winner. She has completed her BA in Corporate Communications, and is a professional model. She is also a professional dancer, trained in ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, modern, and Spanish dances.

Tansey’s motto is The greatest losses of all, are those from missed opportunities.

She has been given 15/1 odds to be the Miss World 2008 winner.

7) Miss Spain World 2008, Patricia Rodriguez

Patricia Rodriguez Alonso bikini photo

Patricia Rodriguez is the Miss Spain 2008 winner.

Patricia is a professional model, who wants to set up her own business in fashion while modeling simultaneously.

Her motto is All that you work for today, will be for your good tomorrow.

Patricia has been given 8/1 odds to be the Miss World 2008 winner.

Miss Venezuela World 2008, Hannely Quintero

Hanney Quintero bikini photo

Hannely Quintero is Miss Venezuela World 2007. Hannely is a professional model and student. She is studying psychology, and wants to study merchandising and advertising in the future.

Hannely’s motto is If you believe you can, you can, if you don’t, you are right.

Hannely has been given 12/1 odds to be the Miss World 2008 winner.

9) Miss Puerto Rico World 2008, Ivonne Orsini Lopez

Ivonne wants to be an actress and work in the communications field. She has acted in a soap opera series, Decisiones.

She enjoys sports such as volleyball, basketball, track and field, badminton, and has won many awards.

10) Miss Trinidad & Tobago World 2008, Gabrielle Walcott

Gabrielle Walcott Miss Trinidad & Tobago World 2008 winner bikini photo

Gabrielle has completed her first degree in Visual and Theatre Arts from the University of the West Indies. She moved to New York to complete her second degree in Acting and Theatre Arts.

Gabrielle is one of Trinidad & Tobago’s Youth Ambassadors for the UN.

11) Miss Kazakhstan World 2008, Alfina Nassyrova

Alfina Nassyrova is the Miss Kazakhstan World 2008 semi finalist. She is currently studying Textile and light industry manufacturing at the Almaty Technological University.

Her motto: Never step back, never be on the spot, be only forward and always together.

12) Miss Barbados World 2008, Natalie Olivia Griffith

Natalie is pursuing a degree in Psychology with Management and wants to do her master’s degree in International Business.

13) Miss Angola World 2008, Brigite Santos

Brigite Santos Miss Angola World 2008

Miss Angola World 2008, has just finished high school, and aims to qualify as a Petroleum Engineer.

Her motto is: Life is too short, so enjoy every moment.

She enjoys swimming, listening to music like jazz, and traveling.

14) Miss Czech Republic  World 2008, Zuzana Jandova

Zuzana Jandova Miss Czech Republic 2008 winner

Zuzana Jandova is the Miss Czech Republic 2008 contest winner. Zuzana is a model. She went to Business school and now works in Charity Endowment, Help, and Support.

The Czech Republic has won the Miss World title once in 2006, when Tatana Kucharova was declared Miss World 2006. That was the first time a contestant from the Czech Republic won a Miss World title.

Zuzana Zandova has been given 20/1 odds to be the Miss World 2008 winner.

15) Miss Philippines World 2008, Danielle Castano

Danielle Castano bikini photo

Danielle Castano is the Miss Philippines 2008 winner. She won five special awards at the contest. Danielle wants to be a nurse or a dental technician in the Air force.

Danielle’s motto is In dreams begin responsibilities. She has been given 20/1 odds to be the Miss World 2008 winner.

16) Miss USA World 2008, Mercia Lane Lindell

Mercia Lane Lindell Miss USA World 2008 bikini photo

Mercia Lane Lindell is the Miss USA World 2008 contestant. Mercia is studying at the University of Georgia and wants to be a TV journalist. She has been part of an entertainment group for the past 8 years.

Mercia’s role models are her parents, and her  motto is Treat others the way they would like to be treated.

Danielle Castano bikini photo

Danielle Castano is the Miss Philippines World 2008 contestant. She was the first runner-up in the Binibining Pilipinas 2008 contest, and won five special awards.

Danielle was born and brought up in Marikina City, and now lives in Quezon City.  She has two younger sisters.

Danielle Castano photo

Danielle Castano is into sports and was in the track and field varsity team in Hoover High School in the US where she completed her secondary education. She also enjoys volleyball, boxing, and going to the gym.

Danielle wants to train as a nurse or a dental technician in the Airforce.

Danielle Castano Miss Philippines World 2008 bikini photo

Danielle Castano likes belly dancing, listening to music like hip hop, jazz & R&B, and cooking. She enjoys Filipino cooking, which she says is influenced by Chinese, Malay, Arab, Spanish and American settlers.

Her personal motto is: In dreams begin responsibilities.

Danielle Castano

Danielle says she admires Nelson Mandela the most in the world, her favorite movie is The Passion of Christ, and her favorite band is a Filipino band, Side A.

Danielle has said that she has been training hard for the Miss World 2008 contests, and hopes the bring the Miss World crown to the Philippines for the first time. Danielle was intensively trained in catwalk skills, personal grooming, and personality development by experts.

Danielle Castano was the first runner-up in the Miss Philippines 2008 contest. The original Miss Philippines World 2008 was Janina San Miguel. In September 2008, Janina San Miguel resigned as Philippines representative to the Miss World 2008 contest, due to personal reasons. It was then decided that the first runner-up  Danielle Castano would be sent to Johannesburg as the Miss Philippines World 2008.

Age: 18
Occupation: Model
Height: 179cm

Patricia Rodriguez Miss Spain World 2008 bikini photo

Patricia Rodriguez is the Miss Spain 2008 winner. She will represent Spain at the Miss World 2008 contest on December 13, 2008, in Johannesburg.

Patricia was raised on the small island of Tenerife, in the Canaries. She now lives in Madrid, the capital city of Spain.

Patricia Yurena Rodriguez Miss Spain World 2008

Patricia is a famous model in Spain. She speaks Spanish, English, and French. Patricia wants to continue her modeling career and establish a business in fashion.

Punters have given Patricia Rodriguez 8/1 odds to be the Miss World 2008 winner. She is the favorite to win the Miss World 2008 contest, after Miss Ukraine who has been given 6/1 odds.

Patricia Rodriguez Alonso bikini photo

Patricia enjoys volleyball, reading, traveling, listening to music, playing the guitar, and dancing.

She loves having pasta and ice creams.

Picture: Patricia Rodriguez Miss Spain 2008

Her personal motto is All that you work for today, will be for your good tomorrow.

Patricia Rodriguez won the Miss Spain 2008 contest, on March 1, 2008. The first runner-up was Claudio Moro who participated in the Miss Universe 2008 contest.

Patricia Rodriguez bikini photo

Patricia was ineligible to participate in the Miss Universe 2008 contest, because of age limitations. She is likely to represent Spain in the Miss Universe 2009 contest, though.

Miss Zaragoza Alejandra Andreu was the 2nd runner-up, who went on to the win the Miss International 2008 contest.

Mercia Lane Lindell bikini photo

Mercia was sent at the last minute to represent USA at the Miss World 2008 contest that will be held at at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on December 13, 2008.

Mercia was born and brought up in Tampa, Florida.

Mercia Lane Lindell is a Freshman at the University of Georgia. She aims to be a successful TV journalist. She has said that her greatest achievement was being chosen as a member of the entertainment revue.

Mercia Lane Lindell Miss USA World 2008 winner

Mercia enjoys snow skiing, tennis, volleyball, swimming, riding the wave runner, and hiking in the mountains. She has also danced as part of an entertainment group for 8 years.

Mercia says that her favorite band is Coldplay and her favorite movie is Pearl Harbor.

Her favorite cuisine is Thai; she also enjoys sushi.

She says that her parents wanted to name her Firecracker, since she was born on the 4th of July.

Mercia Lane Lindell

Mercia says that her role models are her parents.

Her personal motto: Treat others the way they would like to be treated.

Age: 23
Occupation: Law student and professional model
Height: 174 cm

Tamara Almeida Silva Miss Brazil World 2008 bikini photo

Tamara Almeida Silva is the Miss Brazil 2008 winner. She will represent Brazil at the Miss World 2008 contest to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on December 13, 2008.

Tamara Almeida Silva was brought up in Ipatinga, Minas Gerais. She grew up with her parents and two sisters.

She is studying Law and is now in her 5th year, in Belo Horizonte, the capital city of Minas Gerais. Tamara says she started studying Law at the age of 17. She aims to be a judge.

Tamara Almeida Silva Miss Brazil World 2008 winner

Tamara Almeida Silva has said that she enjoys outdoor sports like diving, swimming, cycling, boxing, yoga, martial arts, volleyball, and boating.

She is a good dancer and has learnt classical ballet, and jazz  for six years. She also likes flamenco dance, and listening to Bossa Nova and Jazz.

Tamara enjoys traveling, listening to music, reading, and watching movies. As part of her modeling assignments, Tamara Almeida Silva has traveled to five continents including, China, Hong Kong, Greece and Thailand.

Tamara Almeida Silva bikini photo

Tamara speaks English, Spanish and basic Chinese.

Her favorite cuisine is Japanese.

Tamara Almeida Silva beat 10 other contestants to be the Miss Brazil 2008 title winner.

In 2006, Tamara was declared Miss Ouro Preto Mundo 2006 and second runner up in Miss Brasil Mundo 2006. She was 3rd runner-up in Miss Brasil Mundo, in 2007.

Tamara Almeida

She was the second runner-up in in Miss Tourism Queen International 2007.

It was in 2008, that she won the Miss Brazil 2008 title, beating 10 other contestants, while representing the state of Minas Gerais. She speaks English, Spanish and basic Chinese.

Tamara’s motto is Don’t waste your time only dreaming, make it happen!

As part of her Beauty with a Purpose project, Tamara Almeida Silva works with an NGO called Amigos da Terra, that works for the protection of Brazilian forests. She has participated in various promotional activities for the cause.

Age: 23
Occupation: Professional model
Height: 5?9?

Tansey Coetzee Miss South Africa World 2008 bikini photo

Tansey Coetzee is the winner of the Miss South Africa 2007 contest, and will represent South Africa at the Miss World 2008 contest that will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on December 13, 2008.

Tansey Coetzee is a professional dancer, proficient in ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, modern, and Spanish dances. Tansey has worked as a sales executive in an IT company. She aims to launch her own fashion label and event management company. She also wants to do a degree in brand management and open a modeling school and a dance school for disadvantaged children.

Tansey Coetzee Miss South Africa World 2008

She has completed her BA in Corporate Communications, at the University of Johannesburg, formerly known as the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU). She has studied at the former Allen Glen High School.

Tansey Coetzee can speak both English and Afrikaans.

Before winning the Miss South Africa 2007 title, Tansey Coetzee has won other titles: Miss Tinkerbell Sandton, Miss Allen Glen High School, Miss Eastgate Face of Fashion, and Miss South Africa Unity.

Tansey Coetzee Miss World 2008 bikini photo

Tansey says that her role model is Oprah Winfrey. “She’s an inspiration to all, I admire her bravery to beat all the odds and to do great things for herself and others,” Tansey Coetzee has been quoted as saying.

Tansey enjoys cooking, outdoor activities like bungee jumping, safaris sky diving, and white river rafting. She also likes acting, singing, listening to music, and reading in her leisure time.

Her favorite foods include prawns, calamari, pasta, and curries.

Tansey Coetzee

She dislikes crime and poverty, one culture, discrimination, dieting and bad hair days as her least favourite things.

Tansey’s personal motto is: The greatest losses of all, are those from missed opportunities.

At the Miss South Africa 2007 contest, Tansey Coetzee was crowned by the outgoing Miss South Africa 2006, Megan Coleman.

The first  runner-up was Avumile Qongqo of Queenstown, and the second runner-up was Manisha Pillay of Kwa Zulu Natal.

Age: 20
Height: 178
Occupation: student

Espinoza Ang Gabriela bikini photo

Espinoza Marroquin Ana Gabriela is the Miss Mexico 2007 winner. She will represent Mexico at the Miss World 2008 contest to be held  at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on December 13, 2008.

Espinoza can speak English, Spanish and French.

Espinoza Marroquin Ana Gabriela hails from Monterrey, Nuevo leon.

Espinoza Ana Gabriela Miss Mexico World 2007 winner

Espinoza is studying International Tourism and is in her first year. Her aim is to work in a private or government organisation in the Mexico tourism sector.

Espinoza Marroquin Ana Gabriela loves Chilaquiles, salads, pizza, rice, and pancakes.

She enjoys many dance forms like ballet, jazz, and flamenco dance. Espinoza likes listening to music, reading human achievement books, watching movies, and learning new languages.

Espinoza Ana Gabriela Miss World Best Beach Wear 2008 winner

In school, Espinoza received a special award for the best average over 3 years of school, which included a scholarship for her college degree.

Her motto is Go for what you want, always enjoy the journey and love every step you take.

In the Miss World 2008 contest so far, Espinoza has won the Miss World Beach Beauty 2008, held at the beach of the Beverly Hills resort in Umhlanga Rocks. The first runner-up was Miss South Africa World 2008 Tansey Coetzee, and the second runner-up was Miss Russia World 2008, Kseniya Sukhinova. The other finalists were from Angola, India, Lebanon, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Spain and Venezuela.

Espinoza Ana Gabriela

Espinoza Marroquin Ana Gabriela beat 33 contestants to win the second place in the Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2007 contest, held in Manzanillo, Colima, on October 5, 2007, and was crowned Miss Mexico World 2008.

This win automatically launched into the semi-final of the Miss World 2008.

Miss Mexico is also one of the favorites to be the Miss World 2008 winners. Espinoza has been given 10/1 odds to be the Miss World 2008 winner.

Age: 23
Height: 176 cm
Occupation: Student and model

Hannely Quintero Beachwear contest photo

Hannely Zulami Quintero Ledezma is Miss Venezuela World 2008, who will represent Venezuela at the Miss World 2008 contest that will be held at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on December 13, 2008.

Hannely was born in the city of Caracas. She says that she was born in a taxi cab under a full moon.

Hannely Quintero bikini photo

Hannely has seven brothers and three sisters. She is a student of psychology, and aims to study merchandising and advertising.

She says that her interests include tropical rhythm dance and listening to romantic music. She also likes to read Paulho Coellho books.

Her favorite food are corn pancakes also called cachapas.

Her motto is “If you believe you can, you can, if you don’t, you are right.”

Hannely Zulami Quintero was the winner of the Miss Venezuela World 2007. She also won the Miss Photogenic and Miss Beauty title at the Miss Veneuela 2007. Hannely came 5th in the Reina Hispanoamericana 2007 contest held in Santa Cruz, Bolivia on October 26, 2007.

Hannely Quintero

The winner of the Miss Venezuela 2007 pageant was Dayana Mendoza who went on to win the Miss Universe 2008 title. The winner of the Miss Venezuela International 2007 title was Dayana Colemenares.

During the Miss Venezuela 2007 pageant, a fan of Hannela Zulami snatched her crown, put it on his head, and pranced around on the stage.

Last month, Hannely Quintero celebrated her 23rd birthday at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort on the Entabeni Safari Conservancy in Limpopo Province. Hannely said about her visit to Limpopo, on her birthday, “This is a very special birthday and a highlight of my visit to South Africa. The friendliness and hospitality of the people here has been overwhelming and Entabeni is definitely one of the greatest experiences of my life.”

Age: 20
Height: 178 cm
Occupation: Student

Kseniya Sukhinova bikini photo

Kseniya Sukhinova is the Miss Russia World 2007 winner. She will represent Russia at the Miss World 2008 contest to be held  at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on December 13, 2008.

Kseniya speaks Russian and English.

Photo: Kseniya Sukhinova Miss Russia World 2008

Kseniya Sukhinova comes from Nizhnevartovsk in the Tyumen region, found in the north west of Siberia. Kseniya Sukhonova is pursuing a B. Sc (Bachelor of Science) degree in Engineer of Administration from the Tyumen Oil and Gas University.

In 2006, Kseniya Sukhinova was deemed an outstanding student in 2006.

Kseniya Sukhinova Miss World Top Model 2008 winner

Kseniya enjoys swimming, mountain skiing, roller skating, and badminton. She is into fitness and works out at the gym and does rhythm gymnastics. In her leisure time, Kseniya Sukhonova likes to listen to  pop & dance music and reading Russian classic literature.

Kseniya Sukhoniva says that her favorite cuisine is Japanese and Italian.

Her favorite movie is said to be Moscow doesn’t believe in tears.

Kseniya’s motto is: Respect people around you, and people will respect you.

In the Miss World 2008 contest so far, Kseniya Sukhonova has won the Miss World Top Model award on December 3, 2008. The other finalists were from Angola, Czech Republic, Croatia, Curacao, India, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, and Venezuela. The event took place at the catwalk in Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Soweto.

Kseniya Sukhinova

Brigite Santos of Angola was the first runner up and Parvathy Omanakuttan of India was the second runner up.

On winning the Miss World Top Model award, Kseniya Sukhoniva said, “Being voted Top Model is the highlight of my trip so far to South Africa. I had my heart set on winning this event and now my dream has come true. Now, I am setting my sights higher and am focusing on the Miss World 2008 crown.”

Kseniya was also the first runner up in the Miss World 2008 Best in Swimwear competition.

Kseniya Sukhinova first runner up in Miss World 2008 Best in Swimwear contest

Kseniya Sukhinova won the Miss Russia World 2007 award at the contest held on December 14, 2007, in Moscow beating 50 other contestants. Kseniya could not represent Russia at the Miss Universe 2008 contest because of her studies.

Kseniya is likely to represent Russia at the Miss Universe 2009 contest.

Of all the contestants, Kseniya Sukhinova is considered to be a very good bet to be the Miss World 2008 winner.