If For Any Reason: When the runner-up takes over: Kimberley Santos - Guam

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 "We all know how it goes: If for any reason, our new Miss xxx cannot fulfil her duties, the first runner-up shall take over" In anticipation to see who wins, most of us don't really pay much attention to it. But when this special "clause" comes into action, it usually garners a lot of attention. So I am going to look at some 1st runners-up who assumed the title when the winner resigned or got dethroned. Let's start with an astonishing feat: 



Kimberley Santos - Guam 

From 1st runner-up to Miss World 1980

On the night of the 30th Miss World in November, (West) Germany won their second Miss World crown. Gabriella Brum was named the most beautiful girl in the world, but the joy of winning was short-lived for this beauty. A mere 18 hours after the crown was placed on her head, she resigned. Her reason was that she could not live so far apart from her boyfriend but there were also rumours that there were nude photos of her going around. So her "reign" is the shortest in the history of Miss World. 

The original results: France (L) 2nd runner-up, Germany (C)
Miss World 1980 and Guam 1st runner-up (R) 

This meant that the first runner-up, Kimberley Santos from Guam would be offered the job of being Miss World. It was already a huge achievement for Guam when Kimberley was the runner-up and now they could be even prouder as their queen accepted the Miss World 1980 title. 



Kimberley was on her way to Guam already when the Miss World Organization was trying to contact her to offer her the title. She accepted and  a special event was held at Ypao Beach in Guam. An enthusiastic crowd waited for her and the 19 year old arrived by catamaran to officially be crowned Miss World 1980 by 1977's Miss World, Mary Stavin from Sweden. This happened 2 weeks after the Miss World final in London. 



The Miss World 1980 title was a significant achievement for Guam and Kimberley performed her duties as Miss World with class and grace. Though her reign started with controversy, it remains a significant achievement for Guam. (Interestingly enough, Guam also achieved a first runner-up position at Miss Universe 1982 when Patty Chong Kerkos made her island very happy with her performance.) 

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