Miss Universe Jamaica contestant turning heads at 59
Elaine Allen-Landy “couldn’t be happier” for husband’s support
Published:Friday | May 17, 2024 | 12:05 AMKenrick Morgan/Gleaner Writer
In 2023, the Miss Universe organisation sent shock waves around the world when it announced that it was easing its age-limit restrictions, giving a wider range of women the opportunity to compete. Among this cohort is 59-year-old Elaine Allen-Landy, a certified health and wellness coach who has been shining bright during the Jamaican stretch of the competition this year. However, for Landy, her being here was merely a “fluke”.
“It wasn’t on purpose at all!” Landy said in an interview with Living.
“My cousin and I were having a conversation and she told me that they raised the age limit and told me to enter. Of course, I looked at her like she was mad because I’m thinking Miss Universe is this glamorous and amazing thing,” she continued.
However, after giving it some thought, and loads of encouragement from her family, Elaine strapped on her bathing suit and took the catwalk in strides – while having a good time along the way.
“I purposefully set out to have fun, and I have been doing just that. Everybody is just like family. I don’t know if it’s my age or what, but there has been no cattiness or any feeling of intimidation. They (the other contestants) give me lots of tips and pointers, and we help each other out. It has been just amazing,” she explained.
The icing on the cake comes in the form of Elaine’s husband, Morace Landy, who has not only given her his full support, but is also her corporate sponsor for the competition through their joint venture, Vybe Vault RNB.
And for Elaine, she couldn’t be happier to have someone like Morace in her corner.
“Oh Lord! He is right beside me every step of the way – that’s my biggest supporter. It feels good to know that he supports me and that he wants the business to be behind me,” she explained.
Her husband expressed similar sentiments.
“I feel amazing just watching her up on the stage. And to be honest, I am not surprised – she is an absolutely beautiful woman! She takes very good care of her body, [and] very good care of my body in terms of what we eat. And she is deserving of every accolade she gets,” Morace said.
“There are so many incredible and beautiful women around the world of a certain age who don’t get the credit they deserve. It’s one thing to be young and physically fit and beautiful, but it is another thing to stand the test of time and still be all of those things,” he said regarding the age-limit changes.
All in all, the couple are not only happy Elaine took the leap of faith, but are encouraging other women to do the same.
“Just do it. Don’t care what the naysayers say – just do it. We have a second chance to write our stories. And we should not allow inhibitions and age to hold us back,” Elaine said. On the support system-husband side of things, Morace is encouraging the men to “let your wife live in her moment and to live out her truth.”