Ingrid Rivera says her dress and makeup were spiked with pepper spray during the Miss Puerto Rico Universe’08 pageant. Still she has managed to become the 2008 Miss Universe competitor - despite breaking into hives.

“At one point I said, ‘Am I a masochist?” But later I thought, “I am with God and this is my goal, regardless of the results,” she shared.

“We thought at first it was an allergic reaction, or maybe nerves but the second time, we knew it couldn’t have been a coincidence,” a contest’s spokesperson said.

Organizers are still investigating the case of alleged acts of sabotage.