103-Year-Old Runner Sets New Record

50 metres in 21 seconds

Maurice DuBois, CBS News

At 103-years-old, Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins isn’t slowing down, she’s picking up the pace. During this week’s National Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Hawkins won gold in both the 50 and 100-metre races.

That’s not all. The sprinter set a new U.S.A. track and field record as the oldest woman to compete on an American track.

“I hope I’m inspiring them to be healthy and to realize you can still be doing it at this kind of an age,” Hawkins said.
She is no stranger to breaking records. She started her running career at age 100, and quickly racked up three world records by 102, including in the 100 metre dash. She told reporters at the time she skipped her nap to make that race.
“I thought it’d be neat to run at 100 and do the 100 yard dash,” she said.
Her training secret is gardening at her home in Louisiana.
“I have an acre of land and I have 50 kinds of trees and I’m working on them all the time,” Hawkins said.

The former teacher’s other hobbies include cycling, which she first competed in at age 75, as well as spending time with family. Hawkins said she competes to impress her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. But with this drive, and a few world records under her belt, she’s on track to impress many more people than that.

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