Former Endeavour Hills resident Sally Arnott jetted off to Las Vegas today to compete in the world’s biggest swimsuit competition. She recently entered the 2006 Star News Group Australian Grand Prix Grid Girls Competition in Berwick.By Rebecca Fraser
MOVE over Jennifer Hawkins – Sally Arnott is hot on your heels.
The former Endeavour Hills resident flew out to Las Vegas today (Thursday) to compete in the world’s biggest swimsuit competition.
The 21-year-old hopes to repeat the success of the former Miss Universe when she represents Australia in the Miss Hawaiian Tropics International competition at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.
Ms Arnott was named Miss Formula Fever 2006 during this year’s Grand Prix, and this title automatically made her the Australian representative at the American pageant.
The promotional model moved from Endeavour Hills to St Kilda a year ago to pursue a full-time modelling career and hoped the new title would help further her career.
The prize included return airfares, food and five nights’ accommodation.
Cruz nightclub in Mornington, where Ms Arnott first entered the competition, has also donated $1000 towards travel expenses.
Ms Arnott will wear a $3000 Barbara Wilson gown during the glamorous competition and will also compete in a swimwear section.
Entrants must also wear a costume that represents their country of origin, and Ms Arnott said she would probably wear a green and yellow two-piece lycra hot pants and crop top set.
Ms Arnott also won $500 cash and $4000 to create her own website featuring her portfolio of work.
She said her family and friends were extremely proud of her win and her father was reduced to tears when she was presented with the title at Crown Casino.
“Dad started crying,” Ms Arnott said. “He is a real tough guy.
“Mum was draping her arms all over me.”
Ms Arnott said she too was thrilled by the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I was like, ‘oh my god, this is so cool’,” she said. “It is not every day that something fantastic like this comes your way.
“I hope it gives me the exposure I need to get some full-time modelling work.”
Proud mother Trish Chandler of Tooradin said many people had commented on her daughter’s looks.
“A lot of perople compared her to a mix of Jennifer Hawkins, Delta Goodrem, and Pammy Anderson,” she said. “There were 14 in the Australian final, but hundreds of girls overall.
“We are all very proud,” Ms Chandler said.
