A 71-year-old beauty queen made history over the weekend as the oldest contestant to compete in the Miss Texas USA pageant.
Marissa Teijo decided to go for the crown after the Miss Universe Organization changed its rules to be more inclusive by removing age limits for contestants and allowing women who are married, divorced or pregnant to participate.
Leading up to the competition, Teijo, of El Paso, said she was excited to compete.
"I hope to inspire women to strive to be their best physical and mental self and believe there is beauty at any age," she wrote in an Instagram post. "I can't wait to show we all have a new stage of opportunity, strength, and beauty!"
Teijo shared a headshot on her page, which is full of comments from people astonished with her looks:
"What are your skin secrets?!"
"I need to know your entire life hack and routine! lol"
"Such an inspiration!"
When one person asked, "Are you 70 years old for real?" Teijo cheekily responded, "71 almost 72 in July."
Teijo grew up on a farm and developed a passion for fitness at a young age, participating in numerous fitness competitions throughout her life, KVIA reported. She wanted to see how far she could go and when the pageant lifted the age limit, a friend encouraged her to go for it.
Teijo took the stage nearly 100 other contestants who were judged in three categories: evening gown, personal interview and swimsuit. According to the organization, "The judges look for an all around winner. The winner may not be the most outstanding in any one category, but may score well in all categories. The judging is based on poise, personality, intelligence, and beauty."
Unfortunately, Teijo didn't take home the crown on Saturday. Aarieanna Ware, last year's Miss Dallas winner, was crowned Miss Texas USA and will go on to represent Texas in the Miss USA competition.