Medellin’s entrant was elected Miss World Colombia on Monday, and will represent the country at the Miss World beauty pageant in China in October.
The 23-year-old Laura Marcela Palacio studies fashion design in the capital of Antioquia.
The “paisa” beauty was considered the most exceptional of all 32 contestants, representing the country’s departments and major cities.
The runner-up was Susana Cardona from Quindio.