A 60 year age Argentine beauty queen run for Miss Universe may have come to an end but she expresses her outstanding journey is first step of a change in society perceptions.
Rodriguez’s participation was only made possible after Miss Universe organization changes its rules linked to age.
Alejandra Rodriguez made headlines across the globe in April when she was crowned Miss Buenos Aires becoming first sexagenarian to win a contest organized by Miss Universe franchise.
She was unable to repeat that victory on Saturday to become Miss Argentina and get the right to represent her country in Miss Universe pageant she did win best face category and celebrated her breakthrough as mark the start of shift in how beauty is perceived.
Till 2023 contestants had to be between ages of 18 and 28 as January 1 of year in which they contested. 2024 there is no upper age limit.
It was a change that is positive. I think it is little by little like all changes. she add she was thankful to have ” the opportunity yo be the first”.
Ending the age limit was just one series of rule changes the pageant introduce in 2023 an effort to modernize.
The winner on Saturday was Magali Benejam who at 29 would ruled too old to compete under the past rules.
For first time in its over 70 year history the franchise greenlit the participation of lady who are married or divorced and who have given birth or are pregnant.
Rodriguez add that even though she fell short of honor of representing her country, stereotypes related to age, shape beauty and weight were slowly changing.
The winner on Saturday was Magali Benejam who at 29 would have been rule too old to contest under the past rules.
“I hope this marks as before and after. I think exterior beauty is always the central focus, I do not hope this markes a before and after.
I think exterior beauty is alway main focus, I do not think that it is wrong to select a beautiful woman may be the concept of beauty needs to expand” she adds.
