Sharlene Radlein named Miss Jamaica Universe 2015

The 25-year-old will look to successfully build on the achievement of last year’s winner, Kaci Fennell, who reached the top five at the 2014 edition of Miss Universe – held in January of this year in Florida due to a delay in establishing a venue for the pageant – and, in the minds of many, should have won the crown which was taken home by Colombian, Paulina Vega.

Radlein outlasted 19 other beauties to win the pageant, with Tasmin Golding named runner-up and Shana Simpson getting third. Her performances in the evening gown and Q & A portions of the coronation show particularly stood out.

But apart from her performance and radiance on the stage, her story off it is just as eye-catching. In 2008, Radlein suffered head, facial and other injuries after being hit by a car (post-accident picture can be seen here). Earlier this year, Radlein told her story via her Instagram page.

“I was walking across the street and struck by a car,” her post read. “I flew onto the windshield, slammed onto the hood and skidded 5 feet. I woke up 20 minutes later and was helicopted to the trauma hospital.”

“Last thing I remember was crossing the street with my two friends and I thought we had all made it across in one piece,” she continued. “I was released 8 hours later after being admitted. I left with a cast, 15 stitches on my head, and external wounds.” 

“I look back on my life today and so much has changed. I thought my dreams of becoming a model was something that would stay a dream and never become a reality. Here I am 7 years later.”

Radlein’s story will certainly have Jamaicans rooting her on for this year’s Miss Universe pageant, set to take place later this year at a yet-to-be named location.

She seeks to become Jamaica’s first ever Miss Universe, with Yendi Phillipps coming closest to the crown, finishing second at the 2010 edition.