Miss Universe stuns in tiny red bikini

The 28-year-old missed out on progressing to the final five of the 69th annual competition which saw Miss Mexico take out the winning title.

However, as her family, friends and fans can attest, Maria did Australia proud, carrying herself with grace and class as she progressed through to the final 10.

Maria, who was born in Australia to Indian migrants, took to her Instagram page thanking everyone for their support, adding she returns home with “fire in my belly”.

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“When I entered @missuniverseaustralia.official I said I came ‘to shake it up.’ I was told she’s too short, she’s not Australian enough, she can’t stand up against the taller women,” Maria captioned a series of snaps from the pageant.

“And guess what? As the 3rd woman of colour to represent Australia after 69 years of @missuniverse standing at 5”3 tall, I placed in the top 10 in the world.”

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She said she’s “a force to be reckoned with and there isn’t a ceiling I won’t shatter”.

And as for her community of supporters, for those of you who are “shorter, darker, different”, who feel the world doesn’t have a place for you, “look at me and be reminded of your ability to carve out your OWN place”.

“Australia … I’m coming home and the fire in my belly is just warming up. I didn’t get to speak on that stage tonight but for the rest of my life, you will hear my voice.”

Her post has been bombarded with messages of support and congratulations.

“WE ARE SO PROUD! @mariathattil CONGRATULATIONS on not only making @missuniverse TOP 10 in the world, but for representing ALL of Australia with so much pride, strength and love!” one post read.

“You’ve already changed the lives of so many around the world, with or without the Miss Universe crown.”

During the pageant on Monday, Maria took the stage in a dazzling red bikini and sparkly full-length gown.

She paired her bikini look with silver stiletto heels and accessorised with a sheer pale blue cape and hoop earrings.

She opted for her hair down in soft waves and a full-coverage makeup with false lashes, eyeliner and a glossy lip.

For the next part of the competition, Maria stepped into a full-length sparkling gown, with a high-slit that exposed her left leg.

The fitted dress featured a plunging neckline with sheer panelling.

On Friday, Maria told fans why she chose to apply for the pageant.

“Why did I compete? Because barriers are made to be broken, and ceilings were meant to be shattered. Preliminaries finished with heart and soul,” she wrote.

Maria, who is a influencer and fashion blogger from Melbourne, was crowned this year’s Miss Universe Australia last month.

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She said the experience had been amazing but it was “bitter sweet” being at the pointy end of the competition.

“It is our last breakfast as Miss Universe contestants. I mean it is exciting to see a new chapter for everyone irrespective of the outcome,” Maria said on Instagram on Monday.

“But also bitter because I am going to miss my roomie, I am going to miss being with the girls every day and this crazy schedule we have now got accustomed to.

“And I think there’s all the feels that it is so fast-paced it’s hard to stop sometimes, so I am just going to try to be really present in the day, grateful, confident and this is what we’ve all worked for.”

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Miss Universe Australia contestants and winners

– Scherri-Lee Biggs was crowned Miss Universe Australia 2011 and represented the country at Miss Universe 2011, placing in the top 10.

– Kerry Anne Wells was the first Miss Australia to take out the Miss Universe title in 1972, at the age of 21

– Jennifer Hawkins was crowned Miss Universe in 2004

– Erin McNaught represented Australia at the Miss Universe 2006

– Laura Dundovic made it to the top 10 in 2008

– Rachael Finch was the third runner-up in 2009

– Jesinta Campbell was the second runner-up in 2010

– Renae Ayris represented Australia in the 2012 and placed fourth

– Francesca Hung represented Australia in 2018