Health Week

November 09, 2021

The Louisiana native is the first woman and first American to set a Masters Track & Field World Record in the 105+ Age Division. Her time was 1:02:95.

Age is nothing but a number to Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins. 

Julia Hawkins

At 105 years old, she set a new world and US record in the 100-meter race at the Louisiana Senior Games in Hammond, La. on Saturday, Nov. 6.

The Louisiana native is the first woman and first American to set a Masters Track & Field World Record in the 105+ Age Division. Her time was 1:02:95.

“Wonderful!” said Hawkins while smiling when asked how she felt after the race. “I’m so happy.”

“Stay healthy and keep running. I’m going to keep running as long as I can. I find it fun, and I like doing it,” she added as words of advice for other seniors.

Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins is an inspiring centenarian athlete who has made headlines for her record-breaking sprinting achievements. At the age of 105, she set a new world record for the 100-meter dash in the women’s 105+ age bracket during the Louisiana Senior Olympics1. Despite facing challenges like high winds and cold weather, she completed the dash in just over one minute and two seconds2. Known for her athletic prowess and her gardening skills, Hawkins took up running at the age of 100 after a lifetime of cycling2. Her determination and active lifestyle serve as a motivation for many, proving that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one’s passions and staying healthy.

When she first started running, there were only a handful of other folks her age competing in races. They weren’t athletes, she says, but rather older women trying something new.

“I usually manage to beat the ones that weren't really athletes,” she says.

Hawkins has always been an athlete. Before becoming a runner, she was a bicyclist. She's won several gold medals at previous senior Olympics events, but running felt different. She says she gets “a feeling of wonder” that kicks in while running as fast as she can.

On Feb. 10, 2022, Hawkins turns 106. Lately, she says she’s been reflecting on some of the more meaningful times in her life — something she calls “magic moments.”

“Magic moments are like something you see that's unusual that you hadn't seen often before, like a sunrise that was especially pretty or a sunset or a shooting star. Amazing things like that that are so worth watching for,” she says. “You don't have to be wealthy to get to see 'em. You just have to be observant and keep a watch on what's out there.”

It's possible that Hawkins will be having another magic moment coming her way this summer. She says she plans on attending a meet in Florida this June.

Hawkins shows no signs of breaking stride: She wants to run another 100-meter dash — this time at age 106 and in under a minute.

Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins, the centenarian sprinter, has been an inspiration to many with her athletic feats. As of the latest updates, there’s no specific news about her retiring from running. At 105 years old, she set a world record in the 100-meter dash for her age group and has continued to be active. She doesn’t run every day but maintains an active lifestyle by walking or jogging regularly1. Her passion for running and staying active is truly remarkable, and she serves as a living testament to the idea that age doesn’t limit one’s capabilities or enthusiasm for life1.

Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins, born on February 10, 1916, is an American centenarian masters athlete. She gained fame for her remarkable athletic achievements even in her advanced years. Here are some key points about her life:

1. Early Life:

   • Julia was born in Wisconsin, USA, and later moved to Louisiana with her family.
   • She studied at Louisiana State University and met her husband, Murray Hawkins, there.
   • They married by telephone after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941.

2. Masters Athlete Career:

   • At the age of 101, Julia became the oldest woman ever to compete in the USA Track and Field Outdoors Masters Championships.
   • She ran the 100 meters in 39.62 seconds, setting a new world record for women aged 100 or older.
   • In 2021, at the age of 105, she set another world record for the 100-meter dash at the Louisiana Senior Olympics.
   • Despite challenging weather conditions, she clocked just over one minute and two seconds.
   • Julia’s nickname, “The Hurricane,” reflects her unstoppable spirit.

3. Later Life:

   • Julia received both doses of the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the age of 104.
   • She has outlived her husband and granddaughter.
   • As of now, at the age of 108, Julia Hawkins resides in her home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.