103-year-old Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins has a secret to living past 100, her secret seems to be exercise, namely track racing.
The Louisiana sprinter has just earned the title of the oldest woman to compete on an American track completing the 50- and 100-meter dashes at the National Senior Games in New Mexico.
“I keep active all the time,” she said, according to the Daily Mail. “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.”
Event organizers claim Julia is already a holder of a world record in the 100-meter dash for her age group.
In this present race, she did not beat her old record but still completed in 46 seconds. According to the Daily Mail, Julia ran the 50-meter dash in just over 21 seconds.
In her 80s, the retired teacher began competing cycling, a sport she credits with providing her the powerful legs she needs to sprint.
Her children suggested running and she gave herself the goal of competing in the 100-meter dash when she reached 100 years old.
Julia married Murray Hawkins, who served in the Navy and survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor, after which he asked Julia to marry him. The couple had four children.
As well as regular exercise Julia credits her long life to healthy eating and not drinking or smoking.
This remarkable lady is living proof that it’s never too late to start something new, and you never know where it may lead.
She is a true inspiration. Please share if you agree.
