You have been subscribed to WBUR Today. "I always came running in to answer the phone so I thought maybe I could run," she told TODAY. One day at a time.. She finished the 100-meter dash about six seconds slower than her record time, but she was still pleased with the result. There isnt a lot of wishy washy around here. (WAFB) - Julia Hurricane Hawkins just happens to be 104 years young now, and just so happens to be a record-setting runner. So when they sent him out there we were married by telephone. I go out to lunch with friends most every day. You can try. Soon after, she started running at 100, she broke several world records. The fastest 105-year-old woman in the world? By. But I dont practice much. Whoops! Can you imagine that? According to the National Senior Games, in 2017 she set a world record for the 100-meter dash for the 100-104 age group with a time of just over 39 seconds. The retired Louisiana teacher just became the first female track and field athlete in the 105+ age bracket to clock a time in the 100-meter dash. AS: But Hawkins has always been an athlete. I decided to quit after I had one fall and dislocated my elbow.. She told me she would reach out to the appropriate officials, etc., and ask them to provide the requested information, Bickel said via email. Sports Illustrated magazines Sports Person of the Year 2021 issue takes note of Julia Hurricane Hawkins 100-meter dash in the Louisiana Senior Games held If I am an inspiration to older people Thats a good thing, she said. Thank you! Previously that year she had run the 100 meters in 39.62 seconds. Learn more about how we use cookies in our cookie policy. She's won several gold medals at previous senior Olympics events, but running felt different. And wonderful," she said. She said via text that meet organizers made elaborate preparations to be sure record would stand., In fact, the record attempt was widely advertised, especially by the National Senior Games Association, which put out a press release a dozen days before the Nov. 6 meet. If I can, Id like to go, she told The Washington Post. And look for magic moments. It was windy and cold, cold. That was in the 100-to-104-year division. Throughout her life, Hawkins was an avid bike rider and gardener. World Masters Athletics, which keeps official age-group world records, did not respond to questions. Further, he faulted Hawkins team for possibly not taking steps to assure record ratification. They werent athletes, she says, but rather older women trying something new. 6-keys: media/spln/other/reg/free/stories, at They were in the fourth grade when I taught them and now theyre 90! Later, she worked in Honduras, where she taught the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh grades in a single schoolroom. Around 8 January 2021 at the age of 104, Hawkins received her first dose of the PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. (Sarah Netter). I dont train like most runners. Dont stop. Julia Hawkins, 101, shown here in her Louisiana neighborhood, competed in the USA Track and Field Outdoors Masters Championships. But it gives you the feeling of wonder, kind of. Julia Hurricane Hawkins has gone where no woman has ever gone before as the first female track and field athlete, and the first American, to set a track and field world record and establish a 105+ age category. I want to keep running as long as I can. Follow her on Twitter to see her recent stories. Keep your weight down and exercise. She eventually ended her cycling career saying that there wasnt anyone left my age to compete with. IE 11 is not supported. When she first started running, there were only a handful of other folks her age competing in races. Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins hopes that she inspires other senior citizens to stay active and interested in things no matter how old they are. Help us grow with a monthly contribution. Then again, they're not Julia Hawkins. (Flowers are another passion of hers.) On Saturday, she became the first female track and field athlete and first American to set a world record in the 100-meter dash for her age group of 105+. It has been a pleasure talking to you. She started competing at the National Senior Games when she was 80, specialising in cycling time trials, and won several gold medals. This time at age 106, and in under a minute. But Kowalski is still alive at 111. All of those are magic moments and they are free for all. WebHurricane Hawkins has no plans of slowing down (5:50) Age ain't nothing but a number for 103-year-old Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins who struck gold at the 2019 National Senior Games. Julia Hawkins daughter, Margaret Hawkins Matens, was present for the record attempt. Julia 'Hurricane' Hawkins, who is 103 years old, broke a record in the 100-meter-dash at the 2019 National Senior Games. Meet 101-year-old Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins, who on Saturday became the oldest female athlete to ever compete in the USA Track and Field Outdoors Masters Hawkins began competing in sprints five years ago at the ripe age of 100. Two years ago, at the age of 101, Julia Hawkins set a record. Arnesia Young is a contributing writer for My Modern Met and an aspiring art historian. And I did it in a lot less than that. Still, The Hurricane, as shes nicknamed, set a world record that day and won the title for fastest 100-meter dash in the age 105 and up category, a feat that didn't even surprise her. PHOTO BY BRIT HUCKABAY FROM NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES ASSOCIATION, Watch 105-year-old Julia 'Hurricane' Hawkins run 100 meters at Louisiana Senior Games. Run the 100 meter dash in less than a minute. But Im a big flower person and I usually wear a flower in my hair, even when Im running. Hawkins, who was born in Wisconsin in 1916, said she likes "the feeling of being independent," as well as the challenge. We talk a lot about hurricanes in Louisiana and the fact that they do a lot of harm makes me not like that so much, but it is part of our home life and I guess if they think thats cute, its all right with me. "I believe in magic moments, thinking of things that you see and do and feel that more than just usual. Im most proud of my children and my husband. WWNOs Alana Schreiber has more. Like all elite athletes, Julia Hurricane Hawkins has a ruthless streak. The 'Blue Zones' diet: Foods that help people live to 100, Octogenarian best friends go for the gold. The couple had four children: Lad Hawkins, Margaret Matens, Julia "Jugie" Battle and Warren Hawkins (aged 69 in July 2017). And theyre 90 years old. Asked about how she thought her race went on Saturday, she told the Advocate, "This time I wasn't feeling like I was going that fast.". When she was younger, she ran a summer camp for girls during the war, taught elementary school and was a Girl and Boy Scout leader for her four children. h/t: [Mental Floss], Oldest Living Ranger in the National Park Service Celebrates Her 100th Birthday, Legendary 98-Year-Old Betty White Holds World Record for Longest TV Career, 101-Year-Old Woman Adopts Oldest Cat at Shelter and Now Theyre Thriving as Best Buds, Oldest Known World War II Veteran Celebrates His 112th Birthday in New Orleans. If I can, I'm gonna go there and try that one. Julia 'Hurricane' Hawkins started running at 100 and keeps breaking records. Her parents were Julies Welles and Margaret Welles. Meet 101-year-old Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins, who on Saturday became the oldest female athlete to ever compete in the USA Track and Field Outdoors Masters Championships. Don't bet against Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins. A daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute. "[I] missed my nap for this," she said (via USATF) on Saturday at the event at Louisiana State University, not far from where Hawkins lives in Baton Rouge. Still, hers is an impressive time for someone who was born during World War I. He was from New Orleans and I was from Ponchatoula, which was a little town. JH: I have done much better than that. My father in law went with me to Baton Rouge to see if it was legal in Louisiana. Next time we see Julia Hawkins, it might just be at the 2022 National Senior Games in Greater Fort Lauderdale, though the centenarian hasnt yet decided if shell compete. On Thursday, after Times of San Diego inquiries, the application was denoted as approved.. AS: And five years later at the 2021 Louisiana Senior Games, she had a new goal. Hawkins clocked in at just over one minute and two seconds, which was not quite what she wanted. (Sarah Netter / Washington Post). Julia Hurricane Hawkins is still taking the running world by storm. AS: But still, she set a world record with some fans in the crowd to cheer her on. While Murray passed away at 95, she believes she has enjoyed such a great life because she lived with such a supportive partner. We won't use your email for any other purpose, and you can opt out at any time via an unsubscribe link. If there is a delay between the gun and when the system starts, that is time the athlete can be reacting and moving before the system starts [operating], Hecker said from Ventura. Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins is showing everyone that age is just a number. "Having a momma that can do this pleases them, and it pleases me to please them," the former schoolteacher said. With the generous support of readers like you, Times of San Diego publishes timely and accurate news coverage for a better-informed community. She could make even more history at the upcoming National Senior Games, which take place in Florida in May 2022. We were unable to subscribe you to WBUR Today. She is believed to be the oldest woman to formally compete on an American track, according to the organization, which hosts the Olympic-style event for athletes 50 and older. JH: We met on the first day at LSU. BATON ROUGE, La. Do you have any secrets to longevity and staying in shape? Hawkins added that a highlight of her life has been racing. Q: If you dont mind my asking, when is your birthday? The sky is the limit for 105-year-old track and field athlete Julia Hurricane Hawkins. Just keep moving and be interested in things.. If Julia Welles Hawkins loses the 100-meter record to a technicality, shell have another shot in May 2022 at the National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where shed strive for sub-60. It was wonderful to see so many family members and friends, but I wanted to do it in less than a minute, said the spirited track star after her sprint. Theyre a wonderful thing to do. Not quite what she wanted. Her parents were Julies Welles and Margaret Welles. National Senior Games Association: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube She studied at Louisiana State University, where she met Murray Hawkins, who was a professor, in 1934. As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts. So, despite setting a 100m world record on Sunday at the Louisiana Senior Games, she still wants to go faster. The only 105-year-old men to compete in track and field were Hidekichi Miyazaki of Japan (shot put) and Stanistaw Kowalski of Poland (100 and discus). The Memoirs of Julia Welles Hawkins." I love to run, and I love being an inspiration to others, Hawkins said on Sunday. Julia Hawkins running the 100 meter dash in November, 2021 Theres a good reason they call Julia Hawkins the Hurricane. Back in November, at the age of WebJulia Hawkins was born in Wisconsin, USA on 10 February 1916. We'll send you the top local news stories every morning at 8 a.m. By clicking subscribe, you agree to share your email address with Times of San Diego to receive our free newsletter and breaking news alerts. I keep thinking, 'Why am I left here?' Meet 101-year-old Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins, who on Saturday became the oldest female athlete to ever compete in the USA Track and Field Outdoors Masters Championships. When The New York Times called for an interview on Wednesday morning, she was taking a break from running to spend the day at a botanical garden. Longtime Baton Rouge resident Julia Welles Hawkins, who turns 102 on Feb. 10, has released her life story, "It's Been Wondrous! The premier timing systems in America, called FinishLynx, are sold by Lynx, based in Haverhill, Massachusetts. On 29 January 2021 at the age of 104, Hawkins received her second dose. USATF official Hecker, who has worked at Olympic Trials such as race walk events in Santee, said the meet referee also is the supervisor of how events are being conducted. Gerontology Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. I just keep active and do lots of things," she said. There was a problem saving your notification. In 2016, her daughter Margaret Hawkins Matens wrote a book about her life called "It's Been Wondrous: The Memoirs of Julia Welles Hawkins". He said the ZCT, also called the zero gun test, should be done at the beginning of the day. Hawkins is not set on competing in those games, yet, though. At the 2018 Masters National Indoor Track and Field Championship, she and Orville Rogers (aged 100) set 60 meter dash world records. Our free newsletter is delivered at 8 a.m. daily. Bergen has also broken age records in the high jump, 60m and 200m. On 100. So we were married by telephone. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. section: | slug: louisiana-woman-sets-world-record-in-100-meter-dash-for-105-age-group | sport: other | route: article_single.us | Julia Hurricane Hawkins took up running at age 100. As I get older, I feel like I only have so many 100-yard dashes left, and I dont want to waste them in practice, she said. Now 105, "Hurricane" is taking the track and field world by storm. Sprinting to the cheers of friends, family, and other senior athletes, Hawkins crossed the finish line at the National Senior Games with an incredible time of 1:02:95. Senior Games organizers did not respond to numerous email and phone messages from Times of San Diego. Celebrating record-breaking runner Julia 'The Hurricane' Hawkins' 106th birthday Published February 10, 2022 at 12:33 PM CST Listen 3:47 Last November, There is no tortoise-and-hare situation with Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins. They're absolutely out of this world, they're so unusual. Watch your back, Usain Bolt - there's a new 100-meter dash superstar and she looks unstoppable. On Friday, The Senior Games meet was USATF-sanctioned, another mandated ingredient for American records. She was married to her late husband, Murray, for 70 years, after they had a wedding by telephone during World War II. Julia Hawkins currently lives at her home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA at the age of 107 years, 19 days. Only a handful know whether her mark of just under 63 seconds will count as a world age-group record. A screenshot of Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins running the 100-meter dash at the 2021 Louisiana Senior Games. And as she approaches this milestone, shes been reflecting on some of the meaningful moments in her life. I get wonderful books that tell me the stories and Ive been enjoying them. By then, the track star will be 106, and who knows what record she might set next. Julie and Margaret Welles were her parents. She ran the 100-meter dash, finishing with a time of 39.62 seconds. 104-year-old Julia Hurricane Hawkins gets her second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at But I wanted to do it in less than a minute, the 105 year-old said after the race, where she recorded a time of 1:02.95, a record for women in the 105+ age category. Don Chadez, a longtime meet timer with Flash Results-West, said only a poor timing company would neglect to do the zero-control test. February 27th, 2023 top story 'Hurricane Hawkins' makes Sports Illustrated again Jan 21, 2022 0 Julia Hurricane Hawkins receives a medal for completing the 100-meter race during the Louisiana Senior Games at Receive our Weekly Newsletter. When she turned 100 she took up sprinting. Julia 'Hurricane' Hawkins, 105, of Baton Rouge runs the 100 meters Saturday at the Louisiana Senior Games in Hammond. JH: Well I knew it was a possibility because there are not that many older people doing things like this. Star Trek, meet Track Star. She also holds a world indoor record in the 2-kilogram shot put (2.77 meters or 9 feet 1). Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanityfrom the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening. She ran the 100-meter dash, finishing with a time of 39.62 seconds. Julia Hawkins ran the 50- and 100-meter dash races at the National Senior Games in Albuquerque this week, and is believed to be the oldest woman to formally compete on an American track. She is also an avid gardener, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I have done much better than that, she says, but the high winds and cold weather held her back. Alana Schreiber is the managing producer for the live daily news program, Louisiana Considered. When an audience member pointed out that 102 is less than her age of 105 and asked if that made her feel any better, Hawkins responded with a matter-of-fact, No.. JH: And at that race I had three different children from three different schools from where I taught. Trials, and who knows what record she might set next my age to compete with 100-meter-dash... | julia Hurricane Hawkins is showing everyone that age is just julia 'hurricane' hawkins obituary number celebrating creativity and a... 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