Šis un tas
Betting on the Universe
Latvia's Ieva Kokoreviča models her "national costume" for the Miss Universe competition. (Photo from Miss Universe Web site)
May 27, 2005
Latvia’s Ieva Kokoreviča, a 19-year-old from Rīga, has a 40-1 chance of winning the Miss Universe contest on May 30, according to oddsmakers and online casino Sportsbook.com.
Renata Sone from the Dominican Republic and Cynthia Olavarria from Puerto Rico are the surest bets, both listed at 12-1 odds. Miss Angola, Zenilde Josias, is the long shot at 250-1 odds.
The Miss Universe contest takes place in Bangkok, Thailand.
Kokoreviča, a public relations and advertising student, is the first representative from Latvia ever to the Miss Universe contest. (However, she’s not the first Latvian to participate. In 1963, 19-year-old Mārīte Ozere of Chicago won the Miss USA competition. She was the first naturalized American to compete. Ozere went on to represent the United States in that year’s Miss Universe pageant, making it to the semi-finals, according to Pageant Almanac.)
In her biography, Kokoreviča describes herself as independent.
“My parents had to work a lot,” Kokoreviča says, “which helped me become independent and accomplish my goals by myself.”
But, Ieva, what’s with the “national costume” we see you modeling? Sorry, but slapping a shield-sized sakta on a red dress does not make a national costume to us.
UPDATE 30 May 2005: It’s a good thing we didn’t put money on Latvia. Kokoreviča made it into the top 10, but did not advance to the final. And while Miss Dominican Republic and Miss Puerto Rico were among the five finalists, the title of Miss Universe went to Miss Canada, the Russia-born Natalie Glebova.
— Andris Straumanis
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Comments about this article
Iona Waddoups
I am a very big fan of the Miss Universe Pageant. During this year’s competition, Miss Ieva Kokorevica had on one of the most beautiful gowns that I have ever seen. Could you please let me know where to get one and any other information that you think may be beneficial in helping me to obtain one? I would greatly appreciate your help. Iona Waddoups
03 Jun 2005 (United States)
Steven Magryta
What is Ieva Kokorevica's web sight?
06 Jun 2005 (United States)
Anjo Altaya
Of all the women i've seen,there's no one more stunningly beautiful as Miss Ieva Kokorevica.If i would be given a chance to talk to her,I would be very glad.If you know Ieva's E-mail,you could send it to my E-mail at would really appreciate your help.
16 Jun 2005 (Philippines)
Don Balbachas
I think Ieva Kokorevica is really gorgeous!
19 Jun 2005 (Australia)
luigi bacolod
ieva is sooooo beautiful!!!!!! anjo sucks! who will be the next ms. universe latvia this may? lets find out......
06 Oct 2005 (Philippines)
Anjo Altaya
Ieva is so beautiful.I love you,Ieva.
07 Oct 2005 (Philippines)
goofy goober
ieva is beautiful
11 Oct 2005 (Philippines)
lakbay
Ms. latvia is a real hottie! believe me i saw it in FHM thailand!
12 Jan 2006 (Philippines)
tui sinai
I love you ieva! what is your official web site? you are so hotT
28 Mar 2006 (Philippines)
evafan
i love Ieva Kokoreviča!!!!!!
25 May 2006 (China)