81-year-old South Korean falls quick in a bid to turn into oldest Miss Universe contestant

South Korean Choi Quickly-hwa, 81-year-old, poses after successful one of the best costume award for the 2024 Miss Universe Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.
| Photograph Credit score: AP

An 81-year-old mannequin fell quick in her bid to turn into the oldest Miss Universe contestant after competing within the South Korean pageant in opposition to a lot youthful rivals.

Wearing a beaded white robe, the silver-haired Choi Quickly-hwa strutted throughout the stage and carried out in a singing contest on the Miss Universe Korea pageant held Monday at a resort in South Korea’s capital, Seoul.

She missed out on the crown however did take residence the “finest dresser” award.

Han Ariel, a 22-year-old vogue college pupil, gained the competition and can head to Mexico Metropolis for the Miss Universe pageant in November.

South Korean Choi Quickly-hwa, 81-year-old, is congratulated after successful one of the best costume award for the 2024 Miss Universe Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.
| Photograph Credit score:
AP

Choi, a former hospital care employee who started her modeling profession in her 70s, was introduced as a Miss Universe Korea finalist earlier this month together with 31 different contestants.

“Even at this age, I had the braveness to seize onto a chance and tackle a problem,” Choi instructed The Related Press hours earlier than Monday’s pageant.

“I would like folks to have a look at me and understand which you can dwell more healthy and discover pleasure in life whenever you discover stuff you wish to do and problem your self to realize that dream.”

It might have been unimaginable for Choi to compete within the pageant a yr in the past as Miss Universe had restricted the participation to girls between 18 and 28. The age restrict, which had lengthy drawn criticism, was lifted this yr ato make the competitors extra trendy and numerous.

Organizers of the Korean pageant additionally eliminated the swimsuit competitors and eligibility necessities associated to training, peak and overseas language talents to open the competition to extra girls.