Throwback Thursday: Miss World 1991, from Dominican Rep to Puerto Rico to Atlanta

With all the controversies surrounding the Miss Universe Organization at the moment, allow me to do a Throwback Thursday post about the 1991 edition of Miss World which had its share of trying difficulties. The kinks may not have been as major as what Donald Trump is experiencing right now, but it still bears reminiscing for those who are not in the know.

Miss World 1991 was originally slated to take place in the Dominican Republic. But due to scheduling problems beyond the control of Eric & Julia Morley, the organization had no choice but to pull out the hosting and move to nearby Puerto Rico. As if problems kept on hounding the pageant, the same thing happened and cancellation loomed in the air like an impending storm. Fortunately, Atlanta, Georgia came to the rescue. It might have helped a lot that Gina Tolleson from South Carolina was the reigning titleholder and the American hosts were more than willing to take on the duties.

At the Georgia World Congress Center, Ninibeth Leal of Venezuela was crowned winner, with Leanne Buckle of Australia and Diana Tilden-Davis of South Africa placing 1st and 2nd Runners-Up, respectively. Included in the Top 5 was Michelle McLean of Namibia who would later on join and win Miss Universe the following year in Bangkok, Thailand. The Philippines, as represented by Gemith Gemparo, was unplaced.

Watch the video of the Miss World 1991 coronation now.

courtesy of Miss World Magic

P.S. Thanks to my friend Lex Librea for the blog suggestion. ;-)