Tatana Kucharova the world at her feet
Words by H! Magazine 19/09/2008
CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT Tatana KucharovaThe world at her feet THE FIRST MISS CZECH REPUBLIC TO BECOME MISS WORLD, TATANA KUCHAROVA BELIEVES THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS “ALWAYS BE AN OPTIMIST” INTERVIEW & PHOTOS DWIGHT MITCHELL How has your career progressed since you were crowned Miss World? It has totally changed my life. I had travelled a lot before, because I have been modeling since I was 14 years old, but when I began my reign as Miss World I didn’t spend much time in the Czech Republic. I have met many important and famous people and together we have helped people who needed it. It has changed me a lot as a person. Very often I saw dying children, sick people, homeless people, people with special needs…etc. I was traveling as Miss World around the world and supporting international foundations and their projects. I have supported the Rotary Club in Sri Lanka, to build and rebuild new hospitals and schools which were destroyed by the Tsunami; the Heart Beat Trust in Great Britain for children with heart problems; and the Arab Emirates Future Centre for children with special needs. I have been to Mexico visiting homes for children; and I took part in a big 24-hour Variety Club TV show in the US to help handicapped children and many others. These experiences made me sure that this is part of who I am and this is the path I want to follow. In a week I am founding my own charity foundation, Beauty Of Help. Now I am a working as a Czech top model and I am also studying international relations and diplomacy at the Metropolitan University in Prague. What was your daily life like while you were Miss World?Every day was more special and different from the day before. It was really exiting but also very busy and demanding. There were always lots of people around who were watching you and waiting for your next mistake. I was without my family and sisters for a long time; I felt alone with no friends. It was hard for an 18-year-old girl, but it was a great experience for beginning my career. What are your future goals and plans? Do you intend to enter any other competitions?I have proved myself a lot. I am the longest reigning Miss World in history (I reigned for 14 months) and I’m also the first from the Czech Republic to win and I’m still busy modeling. I still can’t believe this all happened in just two years! I would love to continue my modeling career, but it’s not the only thing I’m interested in. The charity activities which I’m doing are so much more important to me and I am going to help with my foundation for people in need around the world as much as I can. I hope to use fashion for good things. My studies are also really important to me and I am still studying diplomacy in the hope that I will one day work in this area. Miss World is the oldest and biggest competition in the world. I was the winner out of 106 contestants from all over the world. There is no greater success possible in this industry. There is nothing else I want in this area. I’m really honored to have been Miss World. You’re a top model in your own right now… Was there any model you looked to as a role model before you became successful?I love Marilyn Monroe. I just adore her! What was your life like growing up and what made you get into this industry?I grew up in a small town called
Opočno, a beautiful place in eastern Czech Republic, with my two younger sisters Livie and Kristyna. Being the oldest child, I always had more responsibility than the others and I had to take care of my sisters. I was doing well in school, doing a lot of activities (sports, dancing, etc.). As I got older I began to do a lot of studying, particularly history and languages, which I really enjoyed. When I was 10 I entered Miss Milk, a competition for young and talented girls, which I won with my dancing. When I was 14 years old I sent a few pictures to a modeling agency in Prague and my modeling career began immediately. I started travelling and then I took part in Miss Czech Republic. After my success in that contest, I was sent to represent Czech Republic in the Miss World contest. What can you tell us about the industry?Modeling is great for gaining experience. Young girls have to take care of themselves, learn English, etc. But it is important to remember that every coin has two sides. I think that girls from good families with good upbringing can’t go the wrong way. Modeling is great when combined with studies and I see it more as a hobby. Girls must be strong and be themselves; they mustn’t care what jealous people say. It is also important to be disciplined and patient: nothing comes easily! What things are important to you?I saw many upsetting pictures during my travels and I’m doing my best to help people with my foundation. Now I’m very selective with the kind of job I take and who I work for. For example, opening my fashion pictures in a designer centre in New York. I was working with a great professor, Mrs. Jiricna, a living legend in the architecture world. I always work hard on myself, trying to be better and better. I never want to stop on one level. What can you not do without?Love and my family. Do you like to travel? How many countries have you been to? Where do you want to go on your next vacation if you could go anywhere in the world?I have travelled around the world and visited almost every continent. I love France and I would love to visit New Zealand, which I have never been to. Apart from modeling what else are you doing with your life?Like I said before, modeling is not my only passion. I have my charity foundation, which I have spent a lot of time on, and I am a student of international relations and diplomacy in Prague. I also have a big and much-loved family, so all the free time I have, which is very little, is spent with them. If you had a chance to turn back the clock again, what would you like to change?Nothing! I am a strong believer in destiny. What has to happen, will happen, even unpleasant things. It makes you stronger. What are your principles and how do they aid you in your daily life?Never mix work and play or different interests. The most important thing is always be optimistic. It helps a lot! Finally, do you have a favorite movie?I love Forrest Gump and City of Angels; however, I prefer historical movies like Elizabeth-The Golden Age, Gladiator, etc. n Dwight Mitchell: www.map6.com (box)A STAR IS BORNTHE REAL Tatana Kucharova n Born in Trnava (formerly Czechoslovakia, now Slovakia), Tatana grew up in
Opočno (Czech Republic). n She won her title when she was only 18 years old – and still a student at high school.n Tatana became the longest reigning Miss World (14 months).n She says her number one priority is her family.n She is currently studying diplomacy at university in Prague.n Her hobbies include any sport… ice-skating, volleyball, tennis, horse-riding. n Her favourite food is chicken.n Her pets include rabbits, cats, birds and a tortoise. n She has founded her own charity, Beauty of Help, which gives support to disadvantaged individuals or groups to enable them to improve their quality of life.
