A 60-year-old Argentine woman has shattered stereotypes and made history by winning the Miss Universe title for Buenos Aires. Alejandra Marisa Rodriguez, a seasoned lawyer and journalist from La Plata, captivated judges and audiences with her elegance and infectious smile, becoming the first woman in her age group to achieve this prestigious honour.
Rodriguez’s victory marks a significant shift in beauty pageants, as age restrictions were removed for the first time, allowing contestants of all ages above 18 to participate. She is now set to represent Buenos Aires in the national selection for Miss Universe Argentina in May 2024, with the potential to compete on the global stage at the Miss Universe World contest in September 2024 in Mexico.
Reflecting on her win, Rodriguez expressed excitement about representing a new paradigm in beauty pageants, emphasizing the importance of values beyond physical beauty. This change in age eligibility was announced by the Miss Universe organization, signalling a departure from the previous age limit of 18–28 for contestants.
In addition to Rodriguez, another standout contestant is 47-year-old Haidy Cruz, representing the Dominican Republic in Miss Universe 2024, further showcasing the evolving diversity and inclusivity within the pageant world.