Olesia Stefanko from Ukraine created history when she was adjudged the first runner-up at Miss Universe 2011 held on 12th September 2011 in Brazil by winning the highest placement for her country at Miss Universe or any other Big 4 major international pageants. She is still the only diva to have won this placement for her country at these pageants.
Olesia’s journey has been nothing short of incredible as she stood second to Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes. It was also a wonderful night to witness as the audience unanimously passed a verdict on both the beauties being equally deserving of the Miss Universe crown. Born in Kolomyia, Olesia graduated with a degree in law from National University Odessa Law Academy in 2012, a year after she reigned as the first runner-up.
Standing 177 cm tall, Olesia did not just give a stunning performance at Miss Universe 2011 but proved her worth in the game ever since she began her journey in Miss Universe Ukraine 2011. Her confidence, oratory skills and determination were well applauded by everyone in the jury as well as the audience in both the national and international stints.
During the final Q/A round, Olesia showed that she is more than just a pretty face when she was asked a question by Miss Universe 2003 Amelia Vega of Dominican Republic, “If you could trade lives with anyone in history, who would it be and why?” Olesia’s answer sure helped her in winning the first runner-up position as she answered, “I simply live my life and I’m very satisfied with it. But if I did have the chance to trade positions with someone I think I would choose Cleopatra. I think she is a very powerful and strong woman who is very much worthy of respect. And I think a woman could also be a leader like Cleopatra.”
Now, Olesia focuses on spreading awareness about fitness and healthy eating through her HitFit app where she helps people in transforming their bodies. A body positive advocate, Olesia has sure come a long way from her almost win at Miss Universe in 2011. With a huge following of more than eight hundred thousand people on Instagram, Olesia has used her fame and achievements to work towards keeping herself and people around her healthier and fitter. She is married to her long time boyfriend Serge Aliseenko which happened in 2016 in Tuscany, Italy.