"Beautiful at Every Age" 71-Year-Old Miss Universe USA 'Oldest Ever' Contestant

Competing with Over 100 Contestants in a Beauty Pageant
"Your Dream Is Not Too Late Even Now"

A woman in her 70s from the United States has thrown her hat into the beauty pageant ring.

On the 22nd (local time), NBC News and other local media reported on 71-year-old Marisa Tayo, who participated in the USA Texas pageant held at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel on the 21st. If Tayo, competing against about 100 contestants, wins this competition, she will earn the right to compete in the national Miss USA pageant.

Photo by Marisa Teiyo Instagram

Tayo is the oldest contestant in the history of Miss Universe USA. Until last year, the Miss Universe pageant limited participants to ages 18 to 28, but this year, the age restriction was abruptly removed. Restrictions on marital status, divorce, and pregnancy were also lifted.

Tayo is from El Paso, a city in western Texas, and has maintained her health through regular exercise and dance. Her family background has not been disclosed.

On Instagram, she wrote, "It's beautiful to be able to participate in the competition," and added, "I hope to inspire women to strive to be their best physically and mentally, and to believe that beauty exists at every age (through my participation)." She continued, "I want to send the message that it is never too late to chase your dreams (even now)," and said she has never felt more motivated to pursue her dreams.

Alejandra Rodriguez.
Photo by AP Yonhap News

Last month, Alejandra Rodriguez, who challenged the Miss Argentina pageant at the age of 60, also made headlines. Rodriguez, who won first place at the Miss Universe Buenos Aires pageant and went on to challenge Miss Argentina, did not advance to the Miss Universe world stage but was chosen as having the "best face."

After receiving the award, Rodriguez said, "This is the first step toward the changes to come," adding, "I don't think choosing beautiful women is wrong, but the standards of beauty need to be expanded."