NASSAU (August 23, 2009)- For the second straight year, Miss Venezuela has been named Miss Universe.
Venezuelan Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, crowned countrywoman Stefania Fernandez, an 18-year-old brunette, as Miss Universe 2009.
This was the first time in pageant history that the same country had produced consecutive winners. The event, presented by Donald Trump, was aired live from the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
The first runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Ada Aimee de la Cruz. Miss Kosovo, Gona Dragusha, was named second runner-up.
Remarkably this was the sixth Miss Universe crown for a Venezuelan woman. Perhaps it shouldn’t have come as a surprise. Venezuela has produced more international beauty pageant winners than any other country. Along with the six Miss Universe titles, Venezuela has won Miss World five times.
