Sunday, May 17, 2026, marks exactly 30 years since Miss Aruba 1995, Taryn Mansell, achieved the distinction of First Runner-up at the Miss Universe 1996 pageant held in Las Vegas. This accomplishment remains the highest placement for Aruba in the history of the Miss Universe organization, marking a historic moment for the nation.
Competing against a field of 78 international delegates, Mansell successfully navigated the preliminary rounds to reach the final three alongside representatives from Venezuela and Finland. In the final tally, she ranked higher than contestants from the United States, Russia, and Mexico, showcasing a strong performance on the global stage. Her success led to massive celebrations across the island, as the community united to honor the woman who had made history.
Anne Marie Braafheid, a former Miss Curaçao who was First Runner-up in 1968, recalled the atmosphere of the competition night. Braafheid stated that for every minute of the event, she and the people of Curaçao were wishing for Aruba to secure the achievement. The 1996 competition, operated under the ownership of Donald Trump at the time, concluded with Miss Venezuela, Alicia Machado, winning the crown.
