Maria Thattil ROLE MODEL!

THE MISS UNIVERSE AUSTRALIA WINNER IS HELPING TO REDEFINE STANDARDS OF BEAUTY

- Kylie Walters

There is an old adage that you can’t be what you can’t see. It’s a concept that this year’s reigning Miss Universe Australia, Maria Thattil, is very familiar with.

The second-generation Australian, whose parents are Indian immigrants, has just returned home after competing in the 69th Miss Universe competition in Florida, US, on May 16. Strutting her stuff on stage in a red bikini and a sparkly silver gown alongside 73 of the world’s most beautiful women, Thattil looked like she was born for the spotlight but admits she suffered from “imposter syndrome” in the lead-up to the big day.

“In the seven decades of the competition I found out that I am only the third person of colour to represent Australia,” the 28-year-old tells WHO. “Those feelings [of imposter syndrome] come because you haven’t seen it been done before by someone who looks like you,” she explains.