A 71-year-old Texan, Marissa Teijo, has made headlines by becoming the oldest woman in the Miss Texas USA competition, defying age stereotypes with her participation.
Expressing her excitement on Instagram, Teijo shared, “I am delighted to be part of this incredible new experience as a contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant.” She is set to compete against nearly 100 other women this weekend in Houston, according to reports from the El Paso Times.
Teijo’s involvement aims to prove that age should not limit one’s pursuit of dreams. “I feel that all women now have a new stage of opportunity, strength, and beauty,” she declared.
Jackie Garcia-Martinez, CEO of Bazaar Models and Teijo’s representative, emphasized her pride in supporting diverse contestants.
“As I prepare my team for Miss Texas, I’m thrilled to champion women of all shapes, ages, and races,” she stated, highlighting the inclusive spirit of the competition.
In other news from the pageant world, Alejandra Rodriguez, aged 60, recently came close to winning the Miss Argentina title but missed the mark, ending her hopes of becoming the oldest contestant at Miss Universe.
Meanwhile, breaking further boundaries in beauty pageants, Bailey Anne Kennedy, 31, made history as the first transgender Miss Maryland USA in June.
Kennedy’s achievement has secured her a place at the Miss USA competition, marking a significant milestone in pageantry, diversity and inclusion.
Teijo’s journey symbolizes resilience and courage, demonstrating that age should never be a barrier to pursuing dreams and ambitions.
Her participation in the Miss Texas USA competition inspires individuals of all ages, proving that one can defy expectations and shine on international stages with determination and passion.
