What if we told you that a 101-year-old would give you a tough fight in running and not only would she win, but still be as energetic as she was before? Surprised?
Meet Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins, who at 101, became the oldest female athlete to ever compete in the USA Track and Field Outdoors Masters Championships -- held on Saturday, July 15. The sprinter took up the challenge of running the 100 metres and touched the finishing line in 40.12 seconds.
“I missed my nap for this,” she said on Saturday at the event at Louisiana State University, The Washington Post reported.
With this record, she has now surpassed the current certified world record for women aged 100 or older by shaving off more than six seconds.
Julia Hawkins, who has been tagged "Hurricane" after her marvellous win, was born in Wisconsin in 1916. Yes, you got that right! She has seen World War I and lived to tell the tale.
Also Read: 83-Yr-Old Granny Is A Tennis Champ
The unstoppable runner has many accolades to her name. Her personal best was in this month’s National Senior Games’ podium, held in Birmingham, Alabama, where Hawkins won in 39.62 seconds. She will be certified the official world-record holder in December.
A natural talent, Hawkins is also known as a bicyclist. Since last year, she started training for track and field. "I'm always outside and the phone always rings, and I come running in is how I knew I could run," she told The Post.
Hawkins believes in "the feeling of being independent". She is an inspiration for her four children, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Also Read: When old is gold: 100-year-old Mann Kaur wins at the Americas Masters Games in Vancouver
"Having a momma that can do this pleases them, and it pleases me to please them," the former schoolteacher said.
An avid gardener, Hawkins works out every day along with running and cycling.
When asked about the feeling after completing her race, she told The Advocate, "This time I wasn't feeling like I was going that fast."
Great going, Champ!
Also read: Inspiring: An 87 year old’s battle with Punjab’s drug menace
Also Read: Oldest Yoga Teacher, Tao Porchon Lynch is 97 and truly stunning
Feature Image Credit: Louisiana State University
Read More Stories By Ria Das
Join Us on https://www.facebook.com/SheThePeoplePage
Follow Us on https://twitter.com/SheThePeopleTV
/shethepeople/media/post_attachments/yHZfJOgsjUsCHPZnjrV3.jpg)
/shethepeople/media/agency_attachments/2024/11/11/2024-11-11t082606806z-shethepeople-black-logo-2000-x-2000-px-1.png){kind=logo}
Follow Us