Dressed in a stunning Steve Irwin inspired national costume, Alexandra Britton almost stole the Miss International 2016 title.
The life-long Gymea resident and former Kirrawee High School student was first runner-up to Miss Philippines, Kylie Verzosa.
The Tokyo-based competition is one of the top four international pageants, and no Australian has made it into the top 15 in the last 20 years.
Ms Britton, 24, who is studying a Bachelor of Education at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney, was named Miss International Australia earlier this year.
When contestants from 69 countries gathered in Japan at the end of October for the world title, Ms Britton was not named among the favourites.
But, with her her “crocodile hunter” costume and the way she impressed as a person in day-to-day activities leading up the big night, she nearly caused a boilover.
“I just wanted to break the drought for Australia, and being chosen in the top 15 made me very happy,” Ms Britton said.
“I never expected to make it into the top five, and the judges told me later there was very little between first and second place.”
Ms Britton said they were required to do three walks, wearing national costume, evening wear and swimwear.
“Australia doesn’t have a national costume like some other countries, but Steve Irwin was the inspiration for what I wore and it seemed to really win over the judges,” she said.
“The tenth anniversary of Steve’s death occurred just a month earlier.
“I was very proud to wear a little bit of Australia in his honour.
The costume, which was the work of Sydney designer Frida Deguise, included Stave Irwin’s well-known crocodile hunter hat, with a small crocodile imprint.
Beading on the top of the costume replicated crocodile skin, and the skirt was made with earth colours and kangaroo prints.
Ms Britton said the contestants spent four weeks in Japan before the judging and their behaviour was observed.
“The type of person you are went into the final mark, and I was proud to know I was judged on the sort of person I am and not just on my evening wear or swimwear walk,” she said.