MIAMI (AP)—Despite being a relative pageant newcomer, Miss Colombia Paulina Vega has been crowned Miss Universe, beating out first runner-up Miss USA Nia Sanchez and contestants from more than 80 other countries.
At Sunday’s pageant in Miami, Vega, a 22-year-old student of business administration from Barranquilla, Colombia, said she would wear the crown with “pride and excitement” as she heard the news that fans in Colombia had taken to the streets to celebrate.
Although she was far from home, Vega said she still felt the support from local Latinos.
“It felt like home. I felt like I was in Colombia with my people. I felt that support in every moment of the pageant,” she said, wearing a sparkling silver gown with vertical stripes at a news conference after the competition.
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