81-year-old South Korean falls short in a bid to become oldest Miss Universe contestant

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

An 81-year-old mannequin fell brief in her bid to change 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 lodge in South Korea’s capital, Seoul.

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

Han Ariel, a 22-year-old trend faculty 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 the very best gown award for the 2024 Miss Universe Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.
| Picture 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 advised The Related Press hours earlier than Monday’s pageant.

“I need folks to have a look at me and notice that you would be able to dwell more healthy and discover pleasure in life once you discover stuff you wish to do and problem your self to attain that dream.”

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

Organizers of the Korean pageant additionally eliminated the swimsuit competitors and eligibility necessities associated to schooling, peak and international language skills to open the competition to extra ladies.