At 71, Marissa Teijo Makes History As Oldest Miss Texas USA Contestant

71-year-old Marissa Teijo from El Paso has made history as the oldest woman to participate in the Miss Texas USA pageant. The Miss Texas pageant is the preliminary pageant to qualify for Miss USA and consequently Miss Universe. Though Teijo did not win the pageant, she has still made a significant contribution to making way for subsequent inclusivity and diversity in the pageantry industry.

Marissa Teijo Makes History As Oldest Miss Texas USA Contestant

The Miss Texas pageant has removed many restrictions to promote diversity and allow greater participation. Restrictions including age limits have been abolished in addition to those prohibiting married women, divorced women, and pregnant women from participating. 

Jackie Garcia-Martinez represents Teijo in the pageant. She is also the CEO of Bazaar Models. Jackie told the El Paso Times,'' I represent women of all shapes, ages, and races. As I prepare my team to compete at Miss Texas, I'm thrilled to support these women who inspire me as a leader every day.''

Representing El Paso, Teijo participated in the pageant in Houston last week. She competed with almost 100 women. Aarienna Ware, the previous Miss Dallas winner, was crowned Miss Texas on June 22 and will represent Texas in the Miss USA competition. The contestants were judged on the basis of three rounds - personal interview, swimsuit, and evening gown rounds. 

Teijo expressed her gratitude to her sponsors and team and was delighted at being able to make an impact. She has been a long-time patron of physical fitness and healthy living.

In a post on her Instagram, Teijo wrote, ''I am grateful for the support of these wonderful people and businesses who agreed to sponsor me.'' She also thanked Jackie Garcia, who represents her, as well as her trainer. She added, ''Thank you to all the gorgeous, gorgeous young women contestants in my team who have been so sweet and kind.''

In a more recent post, she said, ''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.''

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marissa Teijo (@marissateijo)