Ecuador may have a 46-year-old woman representing the small Andean nation in the Miss Universe beauty pageant later this year.
Yajaira Quizhpi – who represents the Sierra region – is vying for the national title of Miss Universe Ecuador.
Tomorrow, she and 24 other contestants will compete at the pageant’s final in Machala, in the El Oro province. The winner will go on to represent Ecuador at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico in September.
Quizhpi is the oldest woman in the country’s history to participate in the contest organized by the Miss Universe franchise.
“I feel proud to be allowed to be here. We have broken barriers and, as women, we can take a step forward without fear of what they will say,” she told journalists in a video interview.
Her quest has only become a reality after the Miss Universe organization changed its rules related to age. Previously, contestants had to be between the ages of 18 and 28. As of 2024, there is no upper age limit.
“The experience has been rewarding. It has enriched me personally. My husband and my son have supported me. My husband was the person who encouraged me to register and be part of this candidacy today,” she added.
This isn’t the first time in Latin America that a beauty pageant contestant’s age has drawn attention. In April, Alejandra Rodriguez made headlines across the world when she was crowned Miss Buenos Aires, becoming the first sexagenarian to win a contest organized by the Miss Universe franchise.
Alejandra Rodriguez, 60 year old Miss Buenos Aires.
The Miss Universe organization has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, as the parent company of Miss USA. In May, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA resigned within days of one another amid allegations of mismanagement, toxicity and conditions that impacted their mental health.
