Tensions are high between the two Miss World contestants representing Greece and Australia ahead of the pageant finals to be held in London on 14 December.
The reason? An alleged purposeful attack by Miss Australia Sarah Marschke resulting to Star Hellas Rafaela Plastira getting a sprain on her leg.
Plastira spoke to Greek outlet Espresso about the incident:
“We were coming back from an event and as I was getting off the bus Miss Australia pushes me [from behind] causing my leg to twist. I got a sprain. For two days I moved around in a wheelchair […] The girl who assaulted me claims it was an accident, but [I know] she pushed me on purpose. From the very start, [Marschke] appeared hostile towards me. This attack I suffered and the sprain have given greater strength of will for the finals.”
The news on the alleged attack were widely circulated in Greek media, with a “milder” version presented by ANT1 where both Plastira and her coach, Vangelis Salevris are somewhat downplaying with their statements the claim on Marscke’s vicious motive.
“I don’t think she [Marschke] did it on purpose; yet, she didn’t try to avoid it and didn’t show eager to assist,” said Salevris, while Plastira added she didn’t think she was targeted on purpose ahead of the finals, since each contestant is judged throughout the entire competition.
More than 110 young women from all over the world have gathered in London getting ready for the big night, after having secured the “ticket” to the famous pageant during their respective countries’ competitions.
Born and raised in Bundaberg, Miss Australia moved to Sydney four years ago to pursue a career in modelling.
The 20-year-old Star Hellas is from Trikala and presents herself as an ambassador for the Take me Home movement supporting the petition for the Parthenon Marbles’ repatriation through fashion.