Julia Hawkins, affectionately known as “the Hurricane,” continues to defy age and inspire us all with her incredible achievements. At the astonishing age of 105, she set a world record for the fastest 100-meter run at the Louisiana Senior Games. And now, at 107 years old, she shows no signs of slowing down.
You might be surprised to learn that running wasn’t always a part of Julia’s life. It was only when she turned 100 years old that she decided to take up the 100-yard dash, spurred on by the encouragement of her children. And she far exceeded their expectations by completing it in well under 100 seconds.
In 2021, at the Louisiana Senior Games, Julia set another goal for herself – to finish the 100-meter dash in under a minute. Despite the challenging windy and cold conditions, she completed it in just over 62 seconds, which is still an incredibly impressive achievement. Her former students, all now in their 90s, were there cheering her on, a testament to the lasting impact she had as a retired teacher.
While she may not have reached her under-a-minute goal, Julia won the title for the fastest 100-meter dash in the 105+ age category, leaving her family bursting with pride at her record-breaking accomplishment.
But Julia’s life is about more than just running. She finds joy in tending to her garden and spending quality time with her beloved family, which includes her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She fondly remembers her late husband, Murray Hawkins, with whom she shared a truly extraordinary beginning to their 70-year marriage – they fell in love over the telephone while Murray was stationed in Pearl Harbor.
Julia’s wisdom and advice for others are simple yet profound – cherish the “magic moments” in life, such as a breathtaking sunrise or a shooting star. These moments, she believes, are priceless and should be treasured by all, regardless of wealth or status. Julia reminds us to appreciate the world around us with a keen eye and an open heart.
Inspirational and unstoppable, Julia Hawkins continues to amaze us with her indomitable spirit and zest for life.
