A SCOT is bidding to be the oldest ever Miss Universe after a rule change allowed her to enter the iconic competition.
Christina Chalk thought her dream of reaching the international stage were over after she ‘aged out’ at 28 in line with old regulations.
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But just three years later the 31-year-old, from Dunblane, Stirlingshire, has been named Miss Universe GB and is preparing to head to Mexico to represent Britain in this year’s Miss Universe competition.
For the first time in the pageant’s history, women over 28 have been allowed to enter – another move to diversify after also permitting married women, transgender women and single mothers to compete.
Christina told BBC Scotland News: “It was a sign from the universe. When I reached the original age limit of 28, I’d been runner up at Miss Universe GB and at Miss Scotland, so I thought this is it.
“If it’s for me then great, if it’s not then I can move on with my life.”
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As well as becoming the first Scot to make it into the competition, she will become the oldest ever Miss Universe if she wins in November.
The University of Glasgow graduate has spent the last three years working as a property sales manager but has been taking part in beauty pageants for 15 years.
She has also previously competed in Miss Philippines, which she qualified for through parentage on her mum’s side.
The stunner said: “I was having a bit of a lull in work and I just felt like I was missing something.
“I thought I need a new challenge and the next day they lifted the age limit on Miss Universe. I thought ‘oh gosh not again’.
“I had felt like the heavens had decided this wasn’t for me but then then this happened and it was like a sign from the universe, literally.
“To be the first Scottish person to represent Great Britain is such an honour. It’s what I’ve been pushing and I’ve made it so I’m very, very proud.”
She added: “I think its great because it shows we don’t expire as women when we reach 28, 31 or even 40.
“I think between 27 and 30 as a woman you are really turning the pressure you put on yourself up. I think you are expected to have met your life partner, you are expected to be killing it in work.
“Everybody is achieving things so much later in life now, I think I put so much pressure on myself in the last couple of years that I didn’t realise I was just stepping into my power.
“Maybe I wasn’t ready before, it wouldn’t have been at the right time in my life so I guess it has all slotted in the way it needs to.”
