New Miss Deaf 'ecstatic'

From: News24, South Africa - Jan 31, 2005

Eagan Williamson

Pretoria - Carin Marais was ecstatic about being crowned Miss Deaf SA on Sunday.

She replaced Candice Morgan, who fell pregnant and had to relinquish her local and international titles.

Marais, 19, said she felt sorry for Morgan.

"It was quite a shock when I found out about it [Morgan's disqualification].

"It is a pity, because she is a nice girl and a good role model for the deaf and hearing community."

Marais, who finished school last year, has had to put her plans to study graphic design on hold on the advice of her personal trainer and agent, Nicholas Rademeyer.

Marais said she wanted to prepare for the Miss Deaf World competition in Germany in the next couple of months.

She said she was hoping to bring home the crown.

© 2005 News24