Julia Hawkins, also known as “the Hurricane,” is not your average great-grandmother. At the age of 107, she continues to defy her age and break records as a runner! Recently, she made headlines by setting a new world record in the 100-meter dash for her age group at the Louisiana Senior Games.
Surprisingly, Julia didn’t start running until she turned 100. It was one of her children who suggested she try the 100-yard dash in under 100 seconds. And guess what? Julia accomplished that with even less time to spare! Since then, she has been unstoppable.
In the 2021 Louisiana Senior Games, Julia, a retired teacher, had set her sights on completing the dash in under a minute. Despite facing challenging weather conditions with wind and cold, she finished in just over 62 seconds. Julia considered it a great achievement, and rightfully so!
During the race, Julia received cheers and support from some of her former students, who are now in their 90s. It’s truly incredible to think that she taught these individuals when they were fourth graders, and now they’re in their elderly years themselves. Julia’s dedication and passion for running have made a lasting impact on those she taught.
Winning the title for the fastest 100-meter dash in the 105+ age category didn’t come as a surprise to Julia. She acknowledges that there aren’t many older individuals actively participating in such activities. When she first started running, there were only a few women like her, exploring something different. But Julia, being a true athlete at heart, always managed to surpass her competitors.
Apart from her newfound passion for running, Julia finds joy in spending time in her garden and being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She holds fond memories of her late husband, Murray Hawkins. Their unique love story adds another layer to Julia’s remarkable life.
As Julia gracefully ages, she imparts her wisdom to others, encouraging everyone to seek out the “magic moments” in life. These moments are the rare sights that we don’t often witness, like a beautiful sunrise, a breathtaking sunset, or a shooting star. Julia reminds us that wealth isn’t required to experience these wonders; we simply need to be observant and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
