Rolene Strauss reflects on her Miss World journey

Johannesburg  - Miss World Rolene Strauss is preparing to hand over her crown this weekend in what has been billed to be a glitzy ceremony in Sanya, China. 

Rolene has been in China since mid-November in preparation for the pageant. Pre-judging involving the 121 contestants from around the world has been taking place, including our own Miss SA Liesel Laurie competing.

The 65th annual competition will take place at the Beauty Crown Grand Theatre on 19 December.

Rolene, who has represented South Africa proudly during her reign, took some time to reflect on her journey.

Today marks one year since the day my life changed forever... I am ever grateful for the Miss World Organisation, for dearest Julia Morley and Steve for looking after me and for granting me the opportunity to give. ?? Beauty with a Purpose is and will always be a part of my being. ?? I will always remember the 14th of December as a day of 'Dreams Come True', an 'Anything Is Possible Day', a day of 'Hope For The Future'. ????????????

A photo posted by Rolene Strauss (@rolenestrauss) on Dec 13, 2015 at 7:05pm PST

Of course, there's always time for fun. Rolene has posted some bikini snaps, showing off her incredible body.

??I love Vitamin D?? Had some time to soak up the beauty of Sanya today. Sanya is the only tropical city in China, it truly is paradise! No wonder it is called the 'home' of Miss World. ??????

A photo posted by Rolene Strauss (@rolenestrauss) on Nov 29, 2015 at 2:07am PST

“When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises.” ~ Paulo Coelho ?????? #SanyaSun

A photo posted by Rolene Strauss (@rolenestrauss) on Dec 13, 2015 at 6:55am PST