For many of us, competing in sports and setting records is something you might think would happen in the earlier years of life, perhaps in your twenties, thirties, or forties. But what about 80-years-old, 90-years-old, or even 100-years-old? Well, as it turns out, it’s not a problem for Julia Hawkins – and she’s 103.

Just two years ago, at the age of just 101-years-young, Julia set a running record. She ran the 100-meter dash and finished the race in just 39.62 seconds – earning her the nickname of “The Hurricane”.

Then, in June of 2019, Julia ended up competing yet again in the 100-meter dash race as well as the 50-meter dash race during the National Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico. What’s even more incredible is that the now 103-year-old woman is believed to be the oldest woman to ever formally compete on an American track.

Julia does admit that she doesn’t really have much competition when it comes to her age group. In fact, she’s basically racing against herself. During her June race, she finished approximately six seconds slower than her previous race time. However, she treats it like water off a duck’s back.

“I’m two years older, remember?” she told the New York Times.

As it turns out, Julia didn’t get into running until later in life and now she can’t imagine life without it.

The centenarian lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she makes it a point to get outside every day for walks and tends to the trees along her property. As for family, the incredible woman has four children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Julia was married to her late husband Murray for 70 years after getting married over the phone during WWII.

The New York Times was lucky enough to sit down with the impressive athlete after she spent the day touring some botanical gardens. Let’s take a look at what she had to tell them.

NY Times: I understand you didn’t get into running until you were quite older.

Julia: 100. But I always did Senior Olympics in biking. Then when I got too old to bike up hills and use gears and things, I went to running at 100. The first time I went to look at it and try, it was the 50-yard dash. It was fun and I fell in love with running.

NY Times: Can you tell me a little bit about your training regimen?

Julia: I run on the street by my house, occasionally, not often. As I get older, I feel like I only have so many 100-yard dashes left, and I don’t want to waste them in practice. Can you imagine that? I have markers on the street to show me where 50 yards is, and where 100 is, and I go by that. But I don’t practice much. I’m just pretty good at moving around and I do it when I have to, whatever I have to do.

NY Times: How did you get your nickname, “Hurricane?”

Julia: Well, somebody thought it up. 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 that’s cute, it’s all right with me. But I’m a big flower person and I usually wear a flower in my hair, even when I’m running. I would rather be the “Flower Lady” than the “Hurricane Lady.”

Julia: To stay in shape, just keep active. Keep your weight down and exercise. Have a lot of passions, things that you are interested in. Keep interested in a lot of things to keep you busy and keep your mind busy.

We certainly think it’s safe to say that Julia is an inspiration to many. Learn more about her incredible story and life journey in the video below.

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Source: ABC News