separateurCreated with Sketch.

Meet the 103-year-old runner who keeps collecting gold medals for her speed

Julia Hawkins
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Cerith Gardiner - published on 11/04/19
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative

Julia Hawkins, a great-grandma, is affectionately known as the “Hurricane.”Julia Hawkins is a mom of four with three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a home full of gold medals that don’t fit in the box her loving husband made for them.

After becoming a competitive runner at the tender age of 100, when mountain biking became a little too tough, the  centenarian has been competing in the Senior Games. Although in 2017, the “Hurricane,” as she’s affectionately known, broke records in the 100-year plus category for the 100-meter dash, this year she still managed a gold medal despite clocking a slightly longer time  — the athlete blames the atmosphere or perhaps her advancing age for the longer time.

The ex-national cycling champion also managed a gold in the 50-meter dash, and was the oldest participant according to the National Senior Games Association.

You might be wondering what the secret is behind her talents and impressive fitness levels — but Hawkins puts her success down to staying active, eating healthily, and maintaining a healthy weight, according to an article on GMA.com. The inspirational speedster also has a very pragmatic outlook on life: “When you’re 103, every day is a miracle and I just keep getting up and I’m here again.”

 


CAREGIVER
Read more:
These postal workers are helping their elderly customers feel a little less lonely


HOLDING HANDS
Read more:
Elderly couple share last moments together on their 66th wedding anniversary

Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Tags:
Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.