Miss Canada Natalie Glebova Crowned Miss Universe 2005

“Miss Canada, Natalie Glebova, was crowned Miss Universe in the 54th annual beauty pageant held in the Thai capital of Bangkok. The brunette from Toronto was chosen over Miss Puerto Rico Cynthia Olavarria.

The two were among five beauty contestants selected to answer questions onstage in the final round of the competition. The others were from Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

Glebova, 23, was asked what she considered the biggest challenge of her life. She said it was remaining optimistic. “I always try to maintain a positive outlook on life,” she said.

Thailand hopes that hosting the pageant will boost the country’s tourism sector, which was badly hurt by last December’s tsunami.” reports Yahoo News (AP) (Photo: Reuters)