Lawyer makes history as the oldest ever Miss Universe competitor – but can you guess her actual age?
WHEN you think of beauty pageants, you probably imagine young women on stage with large crowns and even bigger hair.
One lawyer has made history though by becoming the oldest ever Miss Universe competitor and you won’t believe her actual age.
If that weren’t impressive enough, Alejandra Rodríguez beat 34 other contenders when she took the title of Miss Buenos Aires earlier this month.
Now, she is tipped to become Miss Argentina and will compete for the crown next month – against women who are half her age.
Despite being a natural beauty though, the older woman wasn’t able to compete until recently.
Traditionally, the Miss Universe pageant only allowed those aged between 18 and 28 to compete – meaning Alejandra was unable to enter.
After the age limit was removed, she knew she had to apply.
In a TV interview, the 60-year-old recalled how she’d worked hard to feel confident on the main stage alongside the other women.
Though she already lived a healthy lifestyle, with plenty of good food and exercise, she also began a training regime ahead of the competition.
With her determined to challenge ageist stereotypes, the lawyer and journalist would eventually be crowned Miss Buenos Aires.
Alejandra later told press: “I think the judges saw my confidence and my passion to represent the women of my generation. I am determined to fight for the crown of Miss Universe Argentina 2024.”
She added: “Beauty has no expiration date, to be beautiful you just need to trust yourself and be authentic.”
The Argentinean isn’t the only older woman who has been defying age and beauty standards this year.
Fitness expert and health coach Haidy Cruz is also competing to become Miss Dominican Republic and hopes to represent the country during the Miss Universe pageant later this year.
“Participating in a beauty pageant always fascinated me. However, due to becoming a mother at a young age, I was never able to make that dream a reality,” she explained to Hola! Usa.
She continued: “Miss Universe, which promotes inclusion, offered me the chance to pursue my dream. My inner voice urged me to go for it, to experience the journey instead of just hearing about it.”
If you are curious to see whether the women make it to the final stage, the Miss Universe pageant will be held in Mexico later this year.
The lavish ceremony will be on September 24 with countries like the United States, Chile and the Philippines all fighting for the title.
Meanwhile the UK will be choosing its representatives this July, with the final 40 contestants competing in South Wales.
While you might have missed out on the chance to apply this year, women like Alejandra and Haidy have proved that there is no age limit on beauty.
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