103-year-old Julia Hawkins, of Baton Rouge, LLouisiana, celebrates after completing the 50-meter dash at the 2019 National Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Monday, June 17, 2019. Image: Brit Huckabay/NSGA via AP
One woman is taking the Senior Games by storm, so much so that she has been named Hurricane Hawkins.
At 103, Julia Hawkins has barely slowed down after she picked up running at 100 years old.
The centenarian garnered gold medals for the 50-meter dash and the 100-meter dash in the women’s 100-plus division at the 2019 Senior Games held in New Mexico on Monday, June 17, and Tuesday, respectively.
The Senior Games is the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors. Hawkins’ speed is well known at the event, having set a world record for the 100-meter dash in 2017.
Competitors in the 90+ age division, including 103-year-old Julia Hawkins, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, far right, wave to the crowd after their 50-meter race at the 2019 National Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Monday, June 17, 2019. Image: Brit Huckabay/NSGA via AP
Hawkins, a Louisiana native, got into competitive cycling at 81, where she also picked up gold medals, as per a Runner’s World report in 2017. When biking on mountainous courses became too difficult, she turned to running, Good Morning America reported on Wednesday, June 19.
Though she does not regularly exercise, Hawkins keeps busy gardening and is conscious about what she eats. This has helped the retired teacher keep up with four children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Hawkins is the oldest woman to compete on an American track, according to the National Senior Games Association. Niña V. Guno /ra
RELATED STORIES:
LOOK: Inspiring seniors in their 80s, 90s prove no one is too old for basketball
106-year-old woman cites faith in God for long life
LOOK: 100-year-old yoga instructor keeps moving, dancing