Many people do not enjoy running and will do just about anything to avoid the sweaty, heart-racing, lung-expanding exercise. This is not the case for everyone. What if I told you a woman over a century-old has always loved running and continues to run today.
Her name is Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins. She became the oldest female athlete to compete in the USA Track and Field Outdoors Masters Championship at the astonishing age of 101. Hawkins was the eldest participant and broke another world record as well. She cut over six seconds from the current world record for women 100 years or older by running the 100-meter dash in 40.12 seconds.
The Master race saw many older runners, including Mary Norckauer at 92-years-old and Christel Donley at 82-years-old. Norckauer ran a 33.21, Donley ran in 21.6 seconds. The three sprinters have over 275 years of experience combined. All three women ran in the same heat and are all considered winners for their age groups.
Wearing her USA track and field shirt and gray sneakers, Hawkins smashed world records. Her story goes to show that no matter your age, you can do anything you set your mind to, however, she remains extremely modest about her accomplishments on her latest race. She told the Advocate, “This time I wasn’t feeling like I was going that fast.”
At the National Senior Games in Birmingham, Ala., the 101-year old ran an even better 100-meter dash. She crossed the finish line at 39.62 seconds which will indeed rank as the world record. In December, the certifications for Hawkins times will be confirmed.
After her event at Louisiana State University, the adorable 101-year old announced that she made a sacrifice to make it to the race. “[I] missed my nap for this,” Hawkins said.
Had she followed through with her routine and nap time, Hawkins would never have gotten to shatter world records. Exercise is something that Hawkins loves. She enjoys bicycling, running and gardening.
The world-record winner was born in 1916 in Wisconsin. She now has four children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Hawkins used to be a school teacher. Now she can return to spending time with her grandchildren, participating in her favorite exercises and even consider continuing her world-record smashing running.
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Source: Washington Post
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