A 71-year-old woman participating in Miss Universe USA has sparked attention.
According to NBC News on the 22nd, Marissa Teijo participated in the Miss Texas USA selection competition held at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel on the 21st. She is the oldest contestant ever in the history of Miss Universe USA.
Teijo is competing with approximately 100 other women for the title of Miss Texas. If she wins, she will go on to compete in the national competition, Miss USA.
Until last year, participants in the Miss Universe competition were limited to ages 18 to 28. However, starting this year, the age restriction has been lifted, allowing married women, pregnant women, or divorced women to also participate.
Teijo, hailing from El Paso, stated on her social media, “I have always maintained my health through regular exercise,” expressing, “I hope to inspire others to believe that beauty exists in every age group.”
She added, “I want to convey the message that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.”
In Argentina, 60-year-old Alejandra Rodriguez made headlines by winning the local qualifying round for this year’s Miss Universe Buenos Aires. Although she did not win the national competition, Miss Universe Argentina, she was selected as the most beautiful face.