Miss Venezuela Takes Miss World Crown (Video)

Miss Venezuela, Ivian Sarcos, took home the crown for Miss World on Sunday. The 21-year-old beat out contestants from 122 countries to claim the crown at the event in London.

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“Winning means everything to me and I hope to take advantage of being a winner in a productive manner,” she said. “I’m unbelievably happy to have won and there are some incredible girls. I first and foremost want to help people in need. I would like to help people like me. I am an orphan. I would also like to help the elderly and troubled teenagers. As many people as I can.”

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The first runner up was Miss Philippines, Gwendoline Ruais, and second runner up was Miss Puerto Rico, Amanda Perez.

Sarcos' story is a unique one. Orphaned at the age of 8, she was raised by nuns at a convent. One of 13 children, she decided to become a nun herself and spent five years studying before deciding to take her life in a different direction.

Sarcos, who currently works for a broadcasting company, has a degree in human resources. According to her biography on the Miss World site, she hopes to work with children in the future. Her hobbies include volleyball, mountaineering and trekking.

This was the 60th anniversary for the Miss World competition, and the event returned to Earls Court in London, where the first Miss World was held in 1951. Throughout its 60 years, the competition has attracted some critics, who call the beauty contest outdated and sexist.

This year, as with most, a group of protesters gathered outside of the event, picketing what they called a "sexist contest."