Never too late: 71-year-old woman makes history as oldest contestant competing in Miss Texas USAA 71-year-old has just become the oldest woman ever to compete in the Miss Texas USA pageant.
Marissa Teijo was one of nearly 100 contestants who competed for the title in Houston over the weekend.
Marissa Teijo said she was excited to compete and hoped it would “inspire women to strive to be their best physical and mental self and believe there is beauty at any age.” pic.twitter.com/if7ywcEcX4
— Simo saadi🇲🇦🇵🇸🇺🇸 (@Simo7809957085) June 23, 2024
Teijo said she hoped to inspire women to be their best, even when they get older.
“I am delighted to be a part of this incredible new experience as a contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant,” Teijo wrote in a post on Instagram. “In doing so, I hope to inspire women to strive to be their best physical and mental self and believe there is beauty at any age.”
Her Instagram account features many videos showing off her dedication to physical fitness.
While the senior citizen made history, she did not win. The crown went to Aarienna Ware, who was Miss Dallas last year.
Ware will now represent the state in the Miss USA competition.
The Daily Mail reports:In April, a 60-year-old Argentinian lawyer hoped to make history by becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant.
Alejandra Rodriguez proved that age really is just a number after being crowned Miss Buenos Aires in early April.
The original rules for the Miss Universe pageant meant that only women who were childless, unmarried and aged between 18 to 28 years old could enter - but that all changed as of September last year.
In 2023, the Miss Universe organization changed its rules by removing age limits and allowing married, divorced, or pregnant women to compete.
