Julia Hawkins, affectionately called ‘Hurricane,’ has passed away at the remarkable age of 108, leaving a lasting impact on the running world.
Known for her athletic pursuits well into her second century, Hawkins initially found her competitive spirit in cycling during her 70s. However, it was her late-in-life running achievements that brought her national recognition.
In 2017, at the age of 101, Hawkins earned her nickname by becoming the oldest woman to compete in the National Senior Games 50m and 100m dash events. She set records in both races, surpassing even the winners of the 94-99 age group.
Del Moon, the director of communications for the National Senior Games Association, remarked that Hawkins became the first American woman to establish a track record in the 105-plus age category.
Her competitive running journey began unexpectedly in 2016 when her four children signed her up for the Louisiana Senior Games.
Although Hawkins had taken up cycling competitively at 75, winning her first nationals in San Antonio in 1996 and earning two gold medals at each of the next three National Senior Olympics, her impact in running was unmatched.
