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Christina SawayaLebanese model, winner of the title 'Miss International 2002'
Date of Birth: 16.08.1980
Country:  Lebanon |
Biography of Christina Sawaya
Christina Sawaya is a Lebanese model and beauty queen, best known for winning the title of 'Miss International 2002'. She started actively participating in beauty pageants in 1998, where she first became 'Miss University Lebanon 1998' and later 'Top Lebanon Model 1999'.
In 2001, Sawaya competed against 19 other contestants for the title of 'Miss Lebanon 2001', which she won brilliantly. This victory opened doors for her to compete in international pageants such as 'Miss Universe', 'Miss World', and 'Miss International'. Although she did not achieve outstanding results at the 'Miss World 2001' pageant, Sawaya voluntarily withdrew from the 'Miss Universe 2002' competition, stating that she didn't want to compete alongside 'Miss Israel' Yamit Har-Noy.
It was at the 'Miss International 2002' pageant where Sawaya was able to perform without any issues and claim a brilliant victory. On September 30, 2002, she was crowned the best model of the competition, becoming the first 'Miss International' from the Middle East. It is worth noting that the 'Miss World 2002' title went to Azra Akın from Turkey, while the 'Miss Earth 2002' title was won by Džejla Glavović from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Despite being a conservative Christian, Sawaya hails from Lebanon, which is the only Arab country governed by a Christian president. In the same year, she achieved another brilliant victory by becoming the first 'Miss International' to also win the 'Global Beauties Award' for 'Best Overall Performance'. This award is usually contested by the winners of 'Miss World', 'Miss Universe', and 'Miss International'. Traditionally, the award is given to the 'Miss Universe' winner, but Sawaya managed to break this trend.
On November 15, 2003, Christina Sawaya married Tony Baroud in Beirut. Baroud is a former professional Lebanese basketball player who currently works as a sports commentator and television presenter for the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation. Interestingly, Baroud hosted the 'Miss Lebanon 2007' beauty pageant.
