ALBAWABA In a historic moment for beauty pageants, 71-year-old Marissa Teijo from El Paso became the oldest contestant to ever participate in the Miss Texas USA pageant over the weekend.
The event, held in Houston, saw Teijo take the stage on Saturday, competing against 100 other women and leaving an indelible mark on the pageant's history.
Although Teijo did not win the title, her involvement in the competition was groundbreaking. She expressed her joy and motivation in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday, saying, “I never expected to make such an impact, but I am thrilled to represent and inspire all women of a certain age and young women as well to take charge of their fitness and healthy living style.”
Teijo emphasized the importance of weightlifting, which she credits with helping her maintain youthfulness, strength, and vibrancy.
This year’s Miss Texas USA pageant featured significant changes, reflecting a broader shift towards inclusivity in the pageant industry.
According to KVUE's media partners at the Austin American-Statesman, the Miss Universe organization, which oversees the Miss Texas USA pageant, has removed age limits for contestants, allowing for a more diverse range of participants.
Additionally, the rules now permit contestants to be married, divorced, or pregnant, breaking traditional norms that have long governed beauty pageants.
The winner of this year's Miss Texas USA title is Aerieanna Ware, a former Miss Dallas. Ware is set to represent Texas in the Miss USA competition, which will take place in August. Texas has a strong tradition in the Miss USA pageant, having produced ten national titleholders, the most from any state, according to Pageant Planet, a leading pageant industry publication.
Teijo’s participation has not only set a precedent for older contestants but has also highlighted the growing acceptance of diverse beauty standards and lifestyles in the pageant world. Her story has inspired many, proving that age is no barrier to chasing dreams and setting new goals.
By competing in the Miss Texas USA pageant, Teijo has challenged conventional ideas of age and beauty, demonstrating that fitness and health are vital at any age. Her emphasis on weightlifting as a key to maintaining vitality resonates with a broader audience, encouraging both older and younger women to embrace a proactive approach to their well-being.
The Miss Texas USA pageant, a stepping stone to the Miss USA and Miss Universe titles, continues to evolve, welcoming participants from various backgrounds and life experiences. Teijo’s journey symbolizes this transformation and serves as an inspiration for future contestants of all ages, who may now see the stage as a place for dreams to come true, regardless of age.
