In the world of athletic skills, age is often seen as a limiting factor, an immutable boundary that suggests a slowdown in physical activity and competitiveness. But then there’s Julia Hawkins, a living testament to defying that norm. At the age of 107, she not only defies age restrictions but also rewrites the record books. In November 2021, she broke the world record for fastest 100 meters at the Louisiana Senior Olympics 105 years ago, a stunning achievement that continues to reflect her indefatigable spirit and unwavering determination.
But her journey to breaking records is more than just a story of sporting success. It’s a story of resilience, a testament to the idea that age is just a number. Although she only took up running in her later years, Hawkins proved that it’s never too late to discover a new passion or embark on a remarkable journey. Her tenacity is reflected not only in her sporting achievements but also in her outlook on life. Her story becomes a beacon of hope, inspiring countless individuals to follow their dreams and embrace life’s adventures, regardless of age or circumstances.
At the 2021 Louisiana Senior Games, her goal was to complete the dash in under a minute; however, she eventually finished the race in just over 62 seconds. She admitted: “I did a lot better.” But on that particular day, it felt like the best I could do given the conditions. “It was cold, cold, cold.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the marathon for retired teacher Hawkins was seeing several of her old students cheering her on from the sidelines! “I had three different kids from three different schools that I taught at that plant. They are also 90 years old. They were in the fourth grade when I taught them, and today they are ninety-nine! “It gives you my age,” she said.
She was not surprised to win the fastest 100 meters in the 105+ age category but was disappointed that she could not finish the race in under a minute. Her incredible achievement in breaking the world record and winning the competition thrilled her family!
“I knew it was possible because there aren’t that many older people doing things like that,” she continued. “When I first started running, there were only a few of us and they weren’t exactly athletes. Just old women trying to do something else. So I usually won over those who lacked physical prowess.”
In addition to running, Hawkins enjoys spending time in her garden and with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She was married to Murray Hawkins for 70 years before his passing a few years ago and enjoyed spending time with him as well. “He was from New Orleans and I was from a little town called Ponchatoula. Recalling their early days together, she said: “When I saw him and met him and saw how smart and attractive he was, I went home and wrote about him in my journal.”
Eight years later, they got married over the phone! “He was working for the Navy at the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. So we got married over the phone when they sent him there. This was unusual at the time. I went to Baton Rouge with my father-in-law to see if it was allowed in Louisiana. Yes, it was. She said, “So we got married over the phone.”
As she ages, Hawkins offers some advice to others, stressing that we should never stop looking for the “magical moments” in life. “Magic moments are things you don’t see very often.”
“Like a particularly beautiful sunrise, sunseed,t or shooting star,” she said. “Such wonderful things are worth looking out for. You don’t have to be rich to view them. All you have to do is stay alert and aware of your surroundings.”
Known as the “Hurricane” lady, Julia Hawkins continues to inspire and amaze the world with her remarkable achievements. At 107 years old, she broke records and demonstrated an unwavering spirit, proving that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s passions and breaking new ground.
Her determination to compete and succeed well into her centenarian years isn’t just about setting records; it’s about embracing life’s moments. Hawkins’ words of wisdom remind us all to appreciate the simple yet profound miracles that surround us every day. From sunsets to shooting stars, he encourages everyone to seek out these “magical moments,” stressing that they are within reach if we stay present and appreciate the beauty of life.
In addition to her athletic prowess, Hawkins embodies resilience, tenacity, and the power to stay active both physically and mentally. Her journey from unexpected challenges to record-breaking success serves as an inspirational narrative that defies conventional notions of aging and proves that the pursuit of passion knows no bounds.
Julie Hawkins’ story continues to resonate and motivate, reminding us that a life well lived is not just about the years we accumulate, but the vitality and passion we put into each moment. Her resilience and zest for life are a testament to the extraordinary potential inherent in every stage of life and inspire us to embrace each day with enthusiasm and strive for the extraordinary.