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Marissa Teijo, 71, with Mexican Roots, Makes History as Oldest Contestant in Miss Texas USA 

Marissa Teijo, 71, with Mexican Roots, Makes History as Oldest Contestant in Miss Texas USA 

Marissa Teijo, at 71, took to the stage of the Miss Texas USA competition recently, making history as the oldest contestant to participate. Draped in sequins and stunning six-inch heels, Teijo, who has Mexican roots, wowed the audience – they all responded with thunderous applause.  

But it wasn’t just her age that set her apart. Teijo, a married mother and grandmother, broke barriers in a competition that once disqualified women like her. Until last year, contestants who were married, previously divorced, or mothers were not allowed to compete. With these outdated restrictions lifted, Teijo’s participation represents a significant shift in the pageant world. 

Who Is Marissa Teijo?

Born in 1952, Teijo grew up on a cotton and maize farm in Texas. According to CNN, she was the second oldest of four children, and the family dynamic was one of bilingualism — English with her siblings, Spanish with her parents, who had migrated from Mexico. Those early years on the farm instilled in her a love of hard work and staying active, values that would shape her life.  

As an adult, Teijo’s passion for staying active translated into a love for running, working out at the gym, and even competing in bodybuilding competitions starting at the age of 40. 

For more than four decades, Teijo also dedicated herself to teaching, working as a second-grade teacher and substitute, before retiring during the pandemic. It was then that she was recruited by a modeling agency and encouraged to participate in a local pageant. 

Initially hesitant, Teijo eventually decided to give it a shot, spurred by the idea that she could inspire others. However, her agent convinced her that her healthy lifestyle could be a beacon of inspiration, and Teijo realized she was already making an impact in her community. 

Preparing for the pageant was no small feat. Teijo hired a “tough” trainer and intensified her weightlifting routine. Despite concerns that pushing herself too hard could lead to injury, she found herself in even better shape than before. Yet, the grueling rehearsal sessions tested her confidence. The choreography, in particular, posed a challenge. Fortunately, her pageant roommate noticed her struggles and offered help, a gesture of kindness that touched Teijo deeply. 

History Made at Miss Texas USA

Despite the nerves and challenges, Teijo pulled off her performance during the competition. Although Aarieanna Ware, a former Miss Dallas, won the Miss Texas USA title and will compete in Miss USA on August 4, Teijo’s participation is iconic. After the competition, women of all ages gathered to shower her with praise and admiration. 

For Teijo, the goal was never about winning. Her mission was to inspire women to stay active, particularly through weightlifting and healthy eating.  

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