New Miss Russia, 18, 'never posed as a beauty' when she grew up

The teenager from Tyumen is a European champion and World Championship silver medalist in sport dancing, and also an accomplished ballroom dancer. She was 172 centimetres and added an extra 2cm by her diet and stretching. And she won!

But her teachers were surprised to see her in the contest at all, saying she never posed as an incredible beauty as she grew up. 

Margarita Shaimanova, Yana's foreign languages teacher, said: 'She came to our school when she was 13. Already at that time she was seriously engaged in ballroom dancing. Because of this, she had to miss a lot - she was constantly away at competitions, but Yana always managed to sort out all the issues with her study. 

'I do not know how she did this, where she got the energy. I remember she was always kind, not envious. She had an inner strength. I remember that she danced even when she was ill, with a fever. Yana never posed as some beautiful girl, so we were very surprised that she took part in this competition.'

Still, she took the first prize of a car and 3 million roubles. And she will represent Russia at Miss World and Miss Universe. 

'I'm in my second year at a college of culture and arts in the city of Tyumen, training to become a teacher and choreographer. For 12 years I was into ballroom and sport dancing and now I plan to train children and to bring up new champions.'

Yana said she will spend part of the money on her study and charity. 'The money will go to help the children, because they are our future,' she said. She added: 'My dream is to take some place in life, to  be a great teacher, to raise champions, to become a good wife, and a wonderful example for my children.' 

She wrote in her social media soon after her win: 'It's still hard to believe, but I'm definitely happy. I'll do everything possible to be worthy to bear the proud title of Miss Russia - 2016.'