Story By: Jonathan Macias, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

This 24-year-old model who was born without arms is starring in a beauty pageant as she begins her quest to be named the most beautiful woman in Mexico.

The Mexican model Ana Gabriela Molina de Los Santos has been accepted as a candidate for the Miss Veracruz 2020 beauty contest where a candidate will be chosen to represent the Mexican state in the next Miss Mexico contest.

Molina de la Cruz presented herself together with the other models this weekend at the contest held in the state of Veracruz in south-eastern Mexico.

According to local media, she is the first model without arms to participate in the Miss Veracruz contest, which is ongoing.

Images show her at the presentation of the candidates in the pageant.

Molina de los Santos wrote on Facebook: “Many thanks, especially to my family who could come with me and to those of you who have always supported me from their homes despite the distance.”

Reports said the model was born without her two arms as she suffered amelia, a birth defect of lacking one or more limbs.

The brave miss Veracruz candidate not only wants to win for her beauty but she would also like to set an example of how to get over difficulties and break barriers.

She has progressed to the quarter-finals of the pageant and wrote on social media: “Yesterday was a success, now let’s go to the semifinals for that inclusive crown.”

Netizens have already shown her their support.

Facebook user ‘Roberto Loftus’ wrote: “Gorgeous, I wish you success, you are a great example for all the people from Veracruz.”

Netizen ‘Any De Canche’ wrote: “Very proud of you, of your love, your confidence, your beauty and your bravery which are incomparable.”

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