The Taryn Mansell Miss Universe Aruba achievement is being remembered 30 years later as one of the island’s greatest moments in beauty pageant history.
On May 17, 2026, Aruba marked exactly 30 years since Taryn Mansell, Miss Aruba 1995, became the first runner-up at Miss Universe 1996 in Las Vegas. This remains Aruba’s highest placement ever in the Miss Universe competition.
During the pageant, Aruba advanced to the final top three alongside Miss Venezuela Alicia Machado and Miss Finland Lola Odusoga, surpassing contestants from countries such as the United States, Mexico, and Russia.
The Taryn Mansell Miss Universe Aruba success united the island in celebration. Upon her return to Aruba, she received a grand welcome as residents proudly celebrated her historic accomplishment.
Former Miss Universe first runner-up for Curaçao, Anne Marie Braafheid, also expressed support for Aruba during the competition, stating that Curaçao had been cheering for Taryn throughout the event.
Taryn Mansell competed against contestants from 79 countries, while Venezuela’s Alicia Machado won the Miss Universe 1996 title. At the time, the Miss Universe Organization operated under the ownership of Donald Trump.
Thirty years later, Mansell’s achievement remains a proud milestone in Aruba’s pageant history and a memorable moment of national pride.
