Ecuador might have a 46-year-old woman representing the country in the Miss Universe pageant this year. Yajaira Quizhpi, who represents the Sierra region, is competing for the title of Miss Universe Ecuador. The final competition will be held this Saturday in Machala, El Oro province. The winner will advance to the Miss Universe contest in Mexico in September. Quizhpi is the oldest contestant in Ecuador’s history for this event, thanks to a recent rule change by the Miss Universe organization, which previously limited participants to ages 18 to 28 but now has no upper age limit.

Quizhpi, a chemical engineer from Azogues in Cañar province, is proud of breaking barriers and noted the support from her husband and son. She emphasized the personal growth and camaraderie among contestants, overcoming criticism with determination and friendship.

The 2023 rule change also allows married, divorced, pregnant women, and mothers to compete. Among the 25 contestants, seven are mothers, with four married and three divorced.

Quizhpi follows in the footsteps of Alejandra Rodriguez, a sexagenarian who made headlines as Miss Buenos Aires. Although Rodriguez did not advance in the Miss Universe competition, her participation marked significant progress.