Miss Puerto Rico is the new Miss Universe 2006

Miss Puerto Rico was crowned the new Miss Universe. She beamed as the crown was placed on her head but briefly fainted after a post-pageant news conference. She quickly recovered after being given liquids, said Miss Universe spokeswoman Esther Swan.

Rivera, who was wearing a dress made entirely of metal chains, had been standing under hot stage lights for some time when she began to topple over. Someone caught her as she fell.

“I always had faith and confidence in myself, but I never knew I was going to win,” Rivera, speaking in Spanish from the stage, said in her first remarks as Miss Universe.

Here is the new winner:

Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Puerto Rico 2006, reacts after winning the Miss Universe 2006 pageant on Sunday, July 23, 2006, in Los Angeles.

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Here is one picture from the popular swimsuit competition:

Adrienn Bende, Miss Hungary 2006, poses during the swimsuit competition at the Miss Universe 2006 pageant on Sunday, July 23, 2006, in Los Angeles.

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