Meet the new Miss Universe Australia: Stunning psychotherapy student from Russia, 27, takes the title after first trying out as a teenager

Psychotherapy student Daria Varlamova has own Miss Universe Australia 2021
The Russian-born beauty, 27, first tried out for the pageant at the age of 19
Ms Varlamova was crowned while sitting at home in her Melbourne apartment
The contest was held virtually for the second year running due to the pandemic

By ALICE MURPHY FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA PUBLISHED: 01:00 BST, 21 October 2021

An ambitious psychotherapy student who emigrated from Russia to Perth at the age of eight has been crowned Miss Universe Australia 2021.

Daria Varlamova, 27, scooped the title while sitting at home in her Melbourne apartment, watching the national final which was held virtually for the second year running due to the pandemic.

The blonde beauty, who describes herself as 'Russian-born, Western Australia-bred and Melbourne-based', first entered the pageant at the age of 19 but was devastated when she didn't make it to the state finals. In 2020, she was fourth runner-up.

Persistence paid off for the self-professed 'travel addict' when she triumphed in a field of 29 finalists on Tuesday night, with Mia Brooks from New South Wales coming in as runner-up.

The blonde beauty (pictured) hadn't got a 'word of English' when she moved to Perth, WA, in 2003
Russian-born psychotherapy student Daria Varlamova (pictured) has been crowned Miss Universe Australia 2021

The 27-year-old (pictured) scooped the title while sitting at home in her Melbourne apartment

Ms Varlamova, who is working towards her Masters of Counselling to become a psychotherapist, said the first thing she would do is call her grandmother in Russia.

'I don't think my heart has ever pounded so hard before,' she told the Herald Sun.

'She's been rooting for me so hard, she's my favourite and her joy is my joy.'

Born in Bryansk, 379km southwest of Moscow, Ms Varlamova arrived in Australia in 2003 'without a word of English' and learned by devouring as many books as she could get her hands on. She still speaks fluent Russian.

After graduating with a business degree from Perth's Murdoch University in 2015, the brainy beauty queen worked in development and digital marketing before earning her graduate certificate in counselling from Edith Cowan University in 2020.

In her spare time, Ms Varlamova facilitates workshops for young girls, discussing topics such as friendship and mental wellbeing.

Persistence pays off: Ms Varlamova (pictured) first entered the pageant at the age of 19 but was devastated when she didn't make it to the state finals; in 2020, she was fourth runner-up

Born in Bryansk, 379km southwest of Moscow, Ms Varlamova (pictured) learned English by devouring as many books as she could get her hands on

Brains and beauty: After graduating with a business degree from Perth's Murdoch University in 2015, Ms Varlamova (pictured) worked in development and digital marketing

In a recent interview with Gold Coast Magazine, she described mental health awareness as one of her greatest passions.

'I'm incredibly passionate about destigmatising mental health issues,' she said.

'I think they are just as valid as physical ailments, and therefore should be treated with the same level of courtesy and care.'

Ms Varlamova, who was named one of Yahoo Finance's Top 21 Health and Wellness Influencers for 2021, says she wants to use her platform to share this message.

She is the third Victorian to win the contest in three consecutive years, following Maria Thattil in 2020 and Priya Serrao in 2019.

In her spare time, Ms Varlamova (pictured) facilitates workshops for young girls, discussing topics such as friendship and mental wellbeing

Ms Varlamova (left) takes the crown from Miss Universe Australia 2020, Maria Thattil (right)

Handing over the crown, Ms Thattil praised Ms Varlamova as a worthy winner.

'I've said this to every woman in the program, it's every woman's journey but one woman's destiny. Her time is now,' she said.

'Like every finalist, this woman deserves it. Her heart is empathetic, kind and compassionate. She is purpose driven and committed to her message. And overall, a beautiful representative for our country. I can’t wait to watch all that you do.'

The international Miss Universe final will be held in December in Eilat, Israel.

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