Here’s Your New Miss Universe: 7 Things To Know About Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters
South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters has just been named as this year's Miss Universe on Sunday, Nov. 26.
The 22-year-old Cape Town native bested first runner-up, Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez, and second runner-up, Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett. Before bringing home the coveted title, Nel-Peters first impressed the judges with her well-thought-out responses to the question and answer round.
Before joining Miss Universe, Nel-Peters was a business management student at North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
Here is more information about the South African beauty.
1. She's Trained In Self-Defense
After being crowned as Miss South Africa earlier this year, a group of kidnappers robbed Nel-Peters at gunpoint. She managed to escape her captors by punching one of them in the throat.
"I climbed out of the car, but they told me to climb back in because I was coming with them. He was dazed and pushed me into the car. I forced my way out and ran as fast as I could into the traffic to get help," said Nel-Peters.
2. She Wants Women To Learn About Self-Defense
Since she's a trained self-defense instructor, Nel-Peters wants more women to be like her. During her stint in Miss Universe 2017, she revealed that one of her advocacies is to educate women on how to protect themselves.
3. She's A Golf Fanatic
Nel-Peters loves to play golf during her free time. Her social media account is filled with photos of her at the golf course.
4. Her Biggest Inspiration Is Her Younger Sister
Nel-Peters' biggest inspiration is her 10-year-old half-sister, Franje. The young girl was born without a cerebellum, and she is also completely disabled.
"She is my biggest motivator and inspiration, cause her situation makes me realize how special life is, and I always want to work twice as hard, enjoy life twice as much so that I can enjoy it for her as well. Therefore each experience that I encounter is that much more special," said the beauty queen.
5. She Loves To Workout
South Africa's bet did not only work out to prepare herself for the recent pageant. Nel-Peters regularly takes care of herself through proper diet and exercise.
6. She Also Loves To Eat
Even though she has a very slim physique, Nel-Peters also happens to be a self-confessed foodie.
7. She Has A Defensive Driving Certificate
Another one of her hobbies is car racing. Nel-Peters received her defensive driving certificate from Nissan and Master Drive South Africa last June.