Alina Sanko is now officially the most beautiful woman in Russia after winning Miss Russia 2019 on April 13 in the Moscow Region.
Ramil Sitdikov / Sputnik
She beat 50 competitors to win the title, a white golden crown decorated with gems, three million rubles ($47,000) in cash, and a car. Not bad for a day’s work.
Sergei Bobylev / TASS
Alina is 20-years-old and was born in the city of Azov in the Rostov Region (southern Russia). She’s now studying in Moscow.
She studies architecture at the State University of Land Management.
The newly crowned Miss Russia likes fine arts and literature. She also won the All-Russian School Competition on Architecture and Arts.
Two months ago, she started modelling and now has more than 30,000 followers on Instagram.
Alina has won many hearts with her selfies, and during Miss Russia’s Q&A she revealed her love of painting portraits.
Sergei Bobylev / TASS
Arina Verina from Yekaterinburg came second, while Ralina Arabova from Tatarstan scooped third place. “I really didn't think I would win. When I heard my name, I didn’t believe it," Alina said.
Ramil Sitdikov / Sputnik
The contest was the 24th consecutive Miss Russia. Contestants must be aged 18 to 23 and unmarried. This year the jury paid special attention to the girls’ “natural” appearance. Tattoos, hair extensions, and “unwomanly behavior” are frowned upon by the judges.
Ramil Sitdikov / Sputnik
But Alina’s victory and “natural” appearance has polarized the public, with some people saying she’s too “gray” and “pale.” “Seems like all the pretty girls have disappeared in Russia?” wrote one online user.
Sergei Bobylev / TASS