It’s a moment that over 20,000 girls from around the country had crossed their fingers and toes they’d be a part of, but now the big secret is out and this year’s Miss Universe Australia 2013 is Olivia Wells.
The big reveal on YouTube sees her telling the world “I have no words” as she was crowned. Olivia was actually an underdog in the competition, with many even calling her that. So we wanted to find out more about the 19‐year‐old, who is no stranger to the Miss Universe world, having been in the crowd last year. Only this year, it was a last‐minute decision.
“I didn’t actually decide to enter until closing,” Olivia laughs as she explains. “I wasn’t sure if I’d have time with uni and everything else, and then I thought, well why not? So I decided to do it, and I’m so glad I did. I love that I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of something so incredible. Meeting the other girls and everything else, it was amazing. And in the end, I’m so thrilled with how everything turned out.”
When asked what the biggest challenge was during the lead‐up to the big night, Olivia responded, “Juggling everything. I’d literally be going from a lab class at uni to a dance class, or I’d have to come straight from an exam. I had so many things on my plate, so that was probably the biggest challenge. But I managed it, and I’m so happy with the result.”
The national finals week might conjure images of backstage beauty queens, gossip, or perhaps a crazy partying scenario with 50 women all in one place, but for the newly minted Miss Universe Australia, Olivia, it seemed “like a dream; it was amazing. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. The best part was definitely the friendships I made. We had so much fun together; it was so relaxed. The girls were wonderful.”
We get largely misrepresented by the media, who want to show a typical “catty environment,” but that wasn’t the case at all. The proof is in the results: the final outcome wasn’t decided until the night of the final. So I’m super proud of the top five—we were all so close. It was an incredible night, and I’m so thankful to be Miss Universe Australia 2013.
After winning the Miss Universe Australia crown, Olivia is about to embark on the next stage: representing Australia at the Miss Universe competition. “I’m so excited. It’s a once‐in‐a‐lifetime opportunity, so I’m just going to do my best, enjoy the experience, and hopefully make Australia proud. But at the same time, there’s still the ‘medical student me’ that hasn’t changed. I’m still going to go to uni, do my degree, and hopefully become a doctor. It’s a balancing act, but it’s one I’m ready for. I’m excited about what’s to come.”
When asked if she was prepared for the typical “Are you a real Miss Universe?” type of question, she responded with a laugh: “Yes, I guess so, but it’s all part of it. I’m just focusing on the positives, and how I can use this platform to make a difference. That’s what’s most important. How you treat yourself is all that really matters at the end of the day. The human perfection that some people are after isn’t my thing. If you want to be fit, do it for you. If you want to eat chocolate, do it for you. Everyone has their own reasons for what they do, and that’s what matters.
I guess that’s part of my ‘why not?’ philosophy. There’s no reason not to do something if you want to. If it’s healthy, if it’s something that makes you happy, then do it. Life is too short not to give things a go.
From here, I’ll head to Melbourne or wherever I’m needed. Then it’s off to the Miss Universe competition in November. I’ll represent Australia to the best of my ability, and hopefully do well. I’m so excited to meet all the other girls from around the world, learn about their cultures, and just have an amazing time. It’s an incredible opportunity.
While many see this as the crowning moment, for Olivia, it’s just another step. “I’m still me. I’m still going to study, I’m still going to do everything I set out to do. This is just a wonderful addition to my life, and I’m going to embrace every minute of it. I’m going to do my best to represent Australia, and show the world what we’re made of. And who knows, maybe I’ll come home with the crown. That would be amazing, but either way, I’m proud to represent my country and promote real beauty.”
