(CMR) Following a rule change to remove the upper age limit in the Miss Universe competition, Marissa Teijo fulfilled her dream of competing in the Miss Texas USA pageant at 71 years old, the oldest contestant to compete.
Over the weekend, Teijo and 74 other women participated in the Houston pageant, with Aarienna Ware ultimately crowned the winner on June 22. However, Teijo stood out throughout the competition, making history as the oldest contestant to ever compete in Miss Texas USA, the organization confirmed to NBC News.
Teijo said she entered the competition to inspire other women to strive to be their best.
“I am delighted to be a part of this incredible new experience as a contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant. 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,” she said.
Leading up to the competition, she shared information about the different sponsors she received and the growing support from fans.
She wrote, “Thank you to all my sponsors- your support has meant so much to me. All of your generous donations have made my participation in the Miss Texas USA possible.”
In its more than 70-year history, the MUO had only allowed women aged between 18 and 28 to participate in the competition.
With the age limit being eliminated, women aged 29 and above can compete in the pageant as of 2024.
“Starting then, every adult in the world will be eligible to join the Miss Universe,” the organization said.
Married women and mothers are also now able to compete in the beauty pageant.