Tamaryn Green makes Miss Universe top 2

What a time to be alive. Twelve months after a South African won Miss Universe, Tamaryn Green has followed the achievement up with a top two finish at the prestigious pageant. 

It was a special night for the 24-year-old from Paarl who stunned judges and audiences alike. The University of Cape Town graduate flew out to Thailand at the beginning of this month where Miss Universe would be taking place this year. Early predictions saw Tamaryn emerge as a favourite for the competition and the 2018 Miss SA impressed in her the preliminary rounds of the competition before the big night on Sunday.

When the big day arrived, all South African eyes were on our two beauties. Tamaryn was center stage as she competed against entrants from 94 countries. The night also presented a special moment for another South African beauty queen, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters who marked the end of her reign as Miss Universe by crowning this year’s winner and runners-up.

This year’s Miss Universe was historic for a number of reasons; Spain’s Angela Ponce became the first ever transgender woman to take part in Miss Universe, an achievement she did not take likely. 

It looked as if history might be made in Mzansi when Tamaryn made her way into the top three. Were we about to witness back to back South African Miss Universe winners for the first time ever? 

Top 3 Final Word: Miss Universe South Africa #MissUniverse LIVE on @FOXtv. pic.twitter.com/HAjGtBRWgH

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 17, 2018

We waited with baited breath as Steve Harvey (who was given the correct envelope this year) made his way to the stage and presented the grand prize to Catriona Gray from the Phillippines, who became the fourth ever winner of Miss Universe from her country. Meanwhile, Tamaryn walked away with an impressive second placed finish. She celebrated the achievement on social media where she said: 

I can't put into words the overwhelming gratitude I feel today. South Africa, I could feel your love and support on the Miss Universe stage and I am so thankful for you.

I am so proud to be South African.

To @catrionaelisa, may your reign as #MissUniverse be abundantly blessed. pic.twitter.com/lut6N2YXGU

— Tamaryn Green (@TamarynGreen) December 17, 2018

Congratulations to Tamaryn for an impressive showing. We can’t wait to see her take on her global duties as Miss Universe runner-up over the next few months.