Miss World 2008

Miss Brazil Tamara Alameida Silva

"My name is Tamara Almeida Silva. I grew up in Ipatinga in the state of Minas Gerais, although the area has one of the largest steel complexes in Brazil its main park has over 12,000 trees, making it very green. I commenced my studies in Law at the age of just 17, and am now in my 5th year, my ambition is to become a Judge. Sports and leisure interests are: diving; swimming; cycling; boxing; yoga; martial arts; volleyball; boating (I am addicted to sports); classical ballet and jazz (6 years); flamenco dance; travel; music; reading; going to the theatre and the movies; and I have learnt a little Chinese. Favourite food is Japanese. "

Miss South Africa Tansey Coetzee

Tansey grew up in Johannesburg, she is currently in the process of completing a B.A. in Corporate Communications, her ambition is to start her own fashion label and to run an Events Company. She has worked as a Sales Executive for an I.T. company, and is also interested in all forms of dance from: ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, modern, to Spanish dance. Sporting and leisure interests are: cooking; spending time outdoors; acting; singing; listening to music; reading. Favourite foods are: prawns, calamari, pasta & curries. Tansey`s motto is: `The greatest losses of all, are those from missed opportunities`.

Miss Ukraine Iryna Zhuravska

Iryna grew up in Kiev and is proud of her country`s rich history. She was the first runner-up in the city competition in Ukrainian grammar and composition, and is now studying history, psychology, arts and literature; she also works as a weather forecast reporter. Sports and leisure interests are: tennis; travelling; painting; piano; modern dancing (she has danced professionally); photography; poetry; listening to pop and lounge music; and reading the Russian classics. Favourite food is: cabbage soup, grilled salmon and of course, chocolate! Her motto is `Step back from evil and create blessings`.

Miss Mexico Espinoza Marroquin Anagabriela

Espinoza grew up in Monterrey, a modern city surrounded by mountains which gives this active city tranquillity. Every state in Mexico has a different climate, gastronomy, nature, architecture, and is rich in culture. She has just started her studies for a degree in International Tourism, on completion she would like to work in either government or a private organisation helping to increase Mexico`s tourism. Her proudest moment was receiving a special award for the best average over 3 years of school, part of this award was a scholarship for her college degree. Hobbies/sports interests are: ballet, jazz, flamenco dance; listening to music; reading human achievement books; going to the movies; leaning new languages; being with family & friends. Favourite foods are: Mexican `Chilaquiles`, salads, pizza, rice, and pancakes. Personal motto is `Go for what you want, always enjoy the journey and love every step you take`.

Miss Spain Patricia Yurena Rodriguez Alonjo

Patricia grew up on the small island of Tenerife, in the Canaries. She is presently living in the capital, Madrid, a city full of history and beautiful buildings, where she is combining her studies with modelling, and fulfilling her role as Miss Spain. Her ambition is to combine her modelling with a business career in the fashion world. Sporting and leisure interests are: volleyball; reading; travelling; listening to music; playing the guitar; and dancing (although she has never taken any classes). Favourite food is pasta, but she also has a sweet tooth and loves ice creams! Her motto is `All that you work for today, will be for your good tomorrow`

Miss Russia Kseniya Sukhinova
Kseniya lives with her parents in the Tyumen region, which is situated in the north west of Siberia. She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineer of Administration, her ambition is also to become a Supermodel. Her leisure and sporting interests are: swimming; mountain skiing; roller skating; badminton; gym; rhythm gymnastics; pop & dance music; reading Russian classic literature; favourite food is: Japanese and Italian. Kseniya`s personal motto is: `Respect people around you, and people will respect you`.


The Miss World 2008 pageant will be held December 13th in Johannesburg, South Africa.

These are a few of the contestants that are believed to be favorites for the title.