The nation of Paraguay will set aside the days of May 14th and 15th to celebrate their independence from Spain, which was won on May 14, 1811. While Paraguayans will fill the streets of the capital of Asunción to honor the occasion, we thought of another way to celebrate. Here are a look at five unforgettable beauties that call the Republic of Paraguay home.
Leryn Franco
Who She Is
She’s the reason most men gave a damn about the women’s javelin event at the summer games in London. The 5’8” tall Franco is living proof that you can be both athletic and gorgeous. Yet, the Paraguayan Olympic javelin thrower is not only a fierce competitor who has broken records throughout Latin America and went to the world games as a teen, she’s also a swimsuit and fashion model, pageant contestant and graced the pages of the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
Why She’s Here
Leryn became a three-time Olympian when she competed at the 2012 London summer games. Her first appearance was in 2004 when she competed in the Junior Olympics and again in 2008 at the Beijing games. She’s also the only person from her home country to accomplish this feat. Finally, it can’t bear enough repeating, she likely sent you to the Google search button after her Olympic performances.
Larissa Riquelme
Who She Is
Larissa Mabel Riquelme Frutos, usually known as Larissa Riquelme is a model and actress from Asunción. She is one of the highest-paid models in Paraguay. Riquelme rose to international fame during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A supporter of both the Paraguay national football team and the club Cerro Porteño, she was first pictured in international media celebrating a goal during the game between Paraguay and Slovakia with her Nokia mobile phone between her umm…parts.
Why She’s Here
After becoming one of the most searched people on the Internet, Riquelme was named “World Cup’s Girlfriend” by Marca, the largest Spanish sports newspaper. She was also described as the most famous fan of the World Cup. Talk about redefining the term WAG!!!
Cindy Taylor
Who She Is
In 1997, she was discovered by a photographer in Miami, Florida. Shortly after, the agency which models Bar Refaeli, Nicki Taylor and many others called home – Irene Marie Models – signed her. She was soon part of advertising and fashion campaigns for Guess?, Pantene, Parasuco, Perry Ellis and gracing the fronts of Esquire, Ocean Drive and Glamour magazines. The next jump was television and film, where Taylor was cast as the host of the popular travel series Wild On!, not to mention cameos in films such as Wedding Crashers and television shows Burn Notice.
Why She’ Here
Perhaps one of the most successful Paraguayan’s stateside, she’s been a supermodel, TV host, actress and philanthropist. Through it all never forgot where she came from and was very vocal that it was Paraguay.
Yanina Gonzalez
Who She Is
A Paraguayan actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder who represented her country in the Miss Universe 2004 pageant and also in the Miss Earth 2004 pageant where she placed as third runner up.
Why She’s Here
When your capable of even entering a contest named “Ms. Earth,” nonetheless place in it. You certainly belong on this list!
Alba Riquelme Valenzuela
Who She Is
This Paraguayan beauty began her career as a fashion model at the tender age of 14 by winning the Elite Model Look Paraguay Contest, which sent her to China to represent her country. This was the first of a string of beauty pageant wins for Valenzuela, she would go on to win the CN Models International Search 2009 and rep for Paraguay in the Miss Beauty of the World 2010 sending her back to in the People ‘s Republic of China. Yet, the ultimate was representing Paraguay in the 60th Annual Miss Universe Contest, held in Brazil.
Why She’s Here
She started with Miss Paraguay, stepped up to Miss World and was competing in Miss Universe. What’s next Miss Galaxy?
