Her nickname is Hurricane, and at 103 years old, a Louisiana woman can still run like the wind.
Julia Hawkins, of Baton Rouge, won her age group with a record-setting performance in the 50-meter dash Monday at the Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico, KRQE reported.
The former teacher, wearing a red U.S.A. Track & Field shirt, finished the race in 21.06 seconds, the Albuquerque Journal reported. It apparently is a milestone time, since there is no women's record for the 50 in the 100-and-over group, the newspaper reported.
“I call her a little old lady in tennis shoes,” Hawkins' son, Lad Hawkins, told the newspaper..
Hawkins also set the record in the 100-meter run two years ago, finishing in 40.12 seconds, WBRZ reported. Tuesday at the Senior Games, Hawkins finished in 46 seconds, KRQE reported.
“I thought it would be neat to run at 100 and do the 100 yard dash,” Hawkins told the television station.
Hawkins began running when she was 101, KRQE reported.
"As you get older you need challenges," Hawkins told the Journal.
Hawkins said she remained strong, especially in her legs, from years of cycling, the newspaper reported.
"I keep active all the time," Hawkins told the Journal. "I have an acre of land. I work in it all the time. I have 30 bonsai bushes – some are 40 or 50 years old. That keeps me busy."
Although her nickname is Hurricane, Hawkins is considering a new moniker.
"I like the flower lady better," Hawkins told the Journal.
About the Author
