HOUSTON — A 71-year-old woman from El Paso made history as the oldest contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant over the weekend.
Marissa Teijo took the stage during the pageant in Houston on Saturday. Although she didn't win the title, she said competing against 100 other women motivated her to continue chasing her dreams.
"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 wrote in an Instagram post on Monday. "Weightlifting is the key to staying young, strong, and vibrant."
According to KVUE's media partners at the Austin American-Statesman, the Miss Universe organization lifted rules to be more inclusive by removing age limits for contestants this year. Competitors can also now be married, divorced or pregnant.
This year's Miss Texas USA winner is former Miss Dallas Aerieanna Ware. She will represent Texas in the Miss USA competition in August.
According to Pageant Planet, a pageant industry publication, Texas has produced more Miss USA winners than any other state, with 10 Texas women winning the national title.