The Miss World contest has been held since 1951, but representatives of the Soviet Union never participated. However, among Russian beauties, there are holders of this prestigious title. The first of our compatriots was Tatyana Vladimirovna Verstak, a descendant of white émigrés. Her parents were forced to move from China to Australia after the Maoists' victory. At first, it was difficult for her: she spoke English poorly, and her classmates laughed at her Russian accent. Nevertheless, thanks to her perseverance and tutoring, Tatyana was able to adapt to the Australian environment. Even then, many noted her ethereal beauty, wit, and great figure, as well as her passion for tennis.

After finishing school, she worked as a promoter for olive oil sales. At one of the presentations, she was invited to participate in the preliminary round of the Miss Australia-1961 contest. However, raised in strict traditions, she decided to ask her parents for permission first. Fortunately, they were not against it, and Verstak made it to the finals. In those years, the contest looked different: it was not allowed to parade in swimsuits, only in sports outfits. Besides beauty, intelligence, improvisation, and a sense of humor were strictly evaluated, and Tatyana proved to be stronger than the others.

After her victory, she began preparing for the more serious Miss World contest. The competition was very high, but once again, the Russian émigré charmed everyone in America: the audience, the jury, and her competitors. Miss England Sue Burgess noted: "I think she deserved it. She is very sweet, sincere, kind-hearted, and not vain." Upon returning to Australia, Verstak engaged in charity work, helping people with disabilities and donating money to children's funds. Later, she became interested in photography and opened her own photo studio, and now she is enjoying a well-deserved retirement.

A park named after her was opened in the suburbs of Sydney.