Rafaela Zanella

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Rafaela Köhler Zanella
Miss Universe Brazil 2006, Rafaela Zanella
Background information
Born	August 9, 1986
Origin	Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Occupation(s)	Model, Student
Website	Rafaela Zanella's Miss Universe Contestant Profile

Rafaela Köhler Zanella (born August 9, 1986 in Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil) is a medical student who represented her country in the Miss Universe 2006 pageant.

[edit] Miss Universe Brazil 2006

Rafaela was elected Miss Brasil Universe on April 8, 2006, representing her state, Rio Grande Do Sul. The pageant was marked by many controversies, especially the exclusion of some favourites from the Top 10. Rafaela's first words as Miss Brazil Universe 2006 were: "I'd like to thank all of those who helped me and I promise you that I will do my best to bring back the Miss Universe crown to Brazil".

In the Miss Universe 2006 pageant, which took place in July 23, 2006 in Los Angeles, California, USA, Rafaela placed in the semifinals, among the Top 20. Many betting houses and casinos had Rafaela as one of the Top 10 beauties. Many blamed Rafaela's position due to her lack of interview skills and regular catwalk, but it became obvious how difficult it was to advance further in the competition with the high level of the misses in the pageant.