RT: Is there anything negative about this situation?

SR: I wouldn’t say it is very difficult. But I’m getting used to it. Every step I take is tracked by the media, it’s always in the public eye. I have to act decently and be immaculate in any situation.

RT: Do you like all the attention you get?

SR: I can’t say it’s the end of my dreams. Living in front of the camera is not something I wanted for myself. But this is just this period of my life. It makes me stronger. And I’m grateful for every moment of it.

RT: I think you life must be one long compliment. Don’t you ever get tired of the constant talk about your looks?

SR: No, I don’t, because this title is a responsibility to always look good. And it’s my title which attracts people, they judge me by my outer appearance. I’m happy to let them do it, but I think beauty is only one of the components of my personality. And it’s always out for show.

RT: That’s just what I wanted to ask you. Was it always your dream to become a beauty queen? Is this all you ever dreamed of, or is there something else?

SR: No. Actually, my parents wanted a different life for me. They were painters, and I grew up learning to become a painter.

I spent my childhood studying at an arts school. I did that for 10 years. I went to theatre studio. I wanted something different. But then I grew up, I became more confident in my appearance. Before, you couldn’t make me put a skirt on.

RT: Did you feel inferior about your looks?

SR: It’s not as much as that I felt inferior. I rather just did not need that. I did not like it when girls would dress themselves like dolls.

Then I grew up and joined a modelling agency, after which all changed greatly – you know how children can change when they are growing.

RT: Was there any particularly decisive moment when you realised you really wanted to become a model? Or was it a gradual process?

SR: My maximalism started when I turned 15 and joined a modelling agency. I believe every girl need something like this since it helps develop very strong traits of character indispensable for every woman. Unless I did that, I could have probably been absolutely different, perhaps like a boy.

RT: Since you became Miss Russia, what changes have you gone through in your life, and inside you in particular?

SR: The changes are obvious. First it was sort of hard to get accustomed to all that. I had to apply efforts to do everything in a beautiful way, whatever I had to say or do.

Now I have plenty of very interesting work, many different projects – in charity, activity, fashion, many photography sessions. All that is so exciting, not just when you keep mum being a model – just a pretty picture. Being a Miss Russia means an integral image. You have to beautiful both externally and inside. All the people try to discern beauty in you.

RT: What hardships did you have to go through for this Miss Russia competition?

SR: During the competition we were living there for a month, doing a lot of self-improvement work – with physical training six hours a day, aerobics, fitness and stuff. It was also very hard morally – you had to be democratic in your attitude, so as to avoid hurting anyone – many among the 50 contenders had had the experience of being crowned before.

RT: How tough is this struggle? Did the girls resort to extreme measures in their pursuit to win?

SR: You know, I may disappoint those who believe that girls break each other’s spike heels, do nasty things. All that is not so at all. Well, I can’t compare this with the army, but under the conditions of constant training the girls are bound to close the ranks. If they prefer being scattered around, they will hardly survive at all.

RT: Well, I was so eager to hear some dramatic story, but … bad luck… What do you think it was exactly that you could succeed by?

SR: I succeeded by my self-reliance and frankness. I have open views on life and I have never tried to over myself or pretend I am something I am really not. Since I was a child I do respect myself and consider myself to be a queen. I rely on my own strength since my birthday. This is what I believe I succeeded by. My self-reliance.

RT: So you have no inferiority complexes?

SR: As for appearance, I think every girl may feel inferior. Myself, I try to develop my inner strength which I will be trying to preserve no matter how much I may change physically in future. I believe it’s crucial for a woman.

RT: Sofia, you mentioned you wanted to spend most of your prize money for homeless animals. Please tell me frankly: Is charity a mandatory part of your image?

SR: I would not say it is for the image – to show how good I am by visiting orphanages or attending doggies. I do this, first of all because I consider this my contribution to society. I want to help it as I see its problems. It hurts me to see how animals are killed and how children live in orphanages. I would like to help them all, disregarding whether I am Miss Russia or not.

R: This August you’re going to the Bahamas, aren’t you? – to take part in the Miss Universe Contest. How do you prepare yourself?

SR: My preparation is very serious. Every day my coaches train me in pacing, posturing, strutting and acting. I take lessons of English, to be able to speak decently. Also sporting, yoga, all kinds of massage… I bring my looks to order, so as to give up going to the hairdresser’s and make-up designers. I get myself prepared morally, because the Miss Universe Contest will gather girls from 80 countries all over the world. And each and every one of them will be peculiar, active, sportive and beautiful. Russia will have to be represented duly.

RT: How are you going to represent Russia’s positive image?

SR: I am not going to hamper my competitors – it’s not my nature. I am just a strong woman and I am going to show my best, to be myself, which is most important, I believe.

RT: What’s unique in the beauty of Russian women?

SR: I strongly believe that Russian women are strong in spirit. They can be both very strong and energetic on the one hand and tender and sweet wives and caring mothers, on the other. The Russian mother is the best in the world.

RT: How important is your victory at the Miss Universe Contest for our country, do you think?

SR: Very important. Russia is used to prove it’s the best. It’s in the Russian character to strive for fight, competition and victory. In mine, too.

RT: How important is it for you personally?

SR: I want to prove, first of all for myself, that I am worth it. I think that the audience and the judges will be able to value me as a person, to value my beauty and inner qualities.

RT: What determines the victory? Besides the beauty?

SR: To win, you need a dazzling smile, expressive eyes and an integral image. But that’s not all. What is indeed important also is to have your inner strength, an open world inside you, a sense of humour and intelligence. Good ambition is no less important.

RT: What is beauty, do you think?

SR: There is no single definition of this notion. It’s something very special for every one. I think it’s external beauty plus your rich inward life and a very positive energy.

RT: What would you recommend to young girls who are eager to be in your place?

SR: I want to wish them to be fearless and not hesitate to strive for leadership. As soon as they discover their inner strength, they can win.

RT: Sofia Rudyeva, thank you very much and good luck!

SR: Thank you!!