DARIA’S UNIVERSAL APPEAL
NEWLY crowned Miss Universe Australia Daria Varlamova said she feared she wouldn’t be considered Aussie enough to win.
The Russian-born beauty moved to Australia with her mum and brother at age eight and has lived in Melbourne for the past five years.
“I tried out for Miss Universe when I was 19 and I didn’t make it through and I thought I’d never be considered Australian enough,’’ Varlamova, 27, said.
“I felt half Russian and half Australian and it wasn’t until I saw winners from different and diverse cultural backgrounds that it makes you realise you can do it.
“I’m a very proud immigrant showing that whatever you want to do, you can do.”
Varlamova, a psychotherapy student, said she felt speechless moments before she was announced the winner while part of the virtual national final.
“I’ve had maybe two hours of sleep – how can you sleep when your life changes and you’ve got all these things running through your head.”
The international Miss Universe final will be held in December in Israel.