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Miss Universe welcomes 80 year old - 14th October 2024

The most famous beauty competition in the world – Miss Universe – has changed its rules. One competitor who proudly entered this year, was 80 years old!

Fellow competitors were surprised on finding out her age. Up until 2024, only women who were aged between 18-28 were allowed to take part. This year, Choi Soon-hwa from South Korea entered her country's competition, in the hope of succeeding to the final in Mexico in November.

In the recent past, being a mother and having a husband meant Ms Choi would be prevented from entering. But Miss Universe has slowly become more inclusive, so married women, mothers and transwomen are now allowed. The age limit was the final necessary change.

When younger, Ms Choi had worked in a clothes factory, as a church pastor and in later life, she began working as a care assistant. One of her patients advised her to try modelling, which was a past dream of hers.

In her seventies, the grandmother started attending modelling classes. At the age of 73, she walked on the catwalk for the first time at Seoul Fashion Week. And this year, she had the opportunity to go international, with Miss Universe.

In the end, the South Korea trophy went to Han Ariel, a 22-year-old fashion student. However, Ms Choi received an award for the "Best Dressed" contestant. She also managed to attract international attention – exactly what she was hoping for. It's now likely that the doors of international fashion houses will open for the model.