Universe at Rachael’s feet
SHE may not have won the crown, but Townsville’s own Rachael Finch is taking home precious life experience with her.
The 21-year-old said last night the Miss Universe pageant in the Bahamas had been “incredible”, spending her evening celebrating at the official coronation event after the ceremony.
The crown was won by Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, making history for the country with back-to-back wins, after Dayana Mendoza won last year.
But Ms Finch said she was excited just to reach the top five, before being announced as the third runner-up.
“I’m feeling excellent, really relieved, and it’s a very rewarding feeling just to know that three months of hard work and especially the last three weeks of hard work, have paid off,” she said.
“I’ve had an amazing time. Rooming with Miss USA was incredible.
“I just want to thank everyone back in Australia for all their support and my family for coming and supporting me here in the Bahamas.”
The bright lights of the Miss Universe pageant are a world away from North Queensland, where Ms Finch began her rise to the big stage.
The Townsville Fashion Bash winner was discovered by model scout Henry Peterson “underneath the wings of a Boeing 747” at Townsville Airport.
“When I first saw her I knew she was special,” he said.
“I told her:
Hawkins.’”
Ms Finch could now be well on her way to doing just that, with her down-to-earth charisma and natural beauty gaining attention all around the globe.
The former Ryan Catholic College student said it was important to “stay focused, stay humble and be true to yourself”.
“Coming from such a small town it’s not only somewhere to grow up that’s naturally beautiful but you really learn the value of growing in that small community,” she said.
“You get a lot of support and love and you can take that in your heart and take that to a bigger city or move on with your life and your career and really make a change.
“Follow your heart and reach for the stars because one day you will get there and that is what this is all about.”
The leggy Townsville brunette wore a white bikini in the swimwear parade and her affinity with the ivory shade continued when she wore a flowing white gown in the final round, complete with a jewel-encrusted, heart-shaped bodice.
Staff at Ryan Catholic College in Townsville were on tenterhooks awaiting news about their star alumni.
The school’s director of development Neil Helmore said he received the news Ms Finch was third runner-up from cameramen at Channel 7’s Townsville studios, who were recording the live broadcast of the final round.
“Our friends at Channel 7 gave me a call at around 1pm with the news and I walked into our staffroom. Our physical education (PE) teachers, who were closest to Rachael, were hanging off my every word,” Mr Helmore said.
“We are proud of her.”
*Rachael Finch has gone on to enjoy a successful media career that includes working at Seven Sport as a roving reporter at events such as the Australian Open, Melbourne Cup and Olympics.
She has also appeared on popular entertainment programs such as Dancing with the Stars, Celebrity Masterchef Australia and Sunrise.
Ms Finch now lives in Sydney with her young family and runs her business, Body By Finch. ‘You’ll be bigger than Jennifer