The oldest woman to compete in the National Senior Games, passed away peacefully in Baton Rouge at the age of 108. Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins, who earned her nickname for her incredible speed as a senior sprinter, began running at the age of 100 after being inspired by a 100-year-old who completed a 100-yard dash. Owner of Varsity Sports Jenni Peters says she has known Hawkins since she was six years old…
“She has always been such an interesting person. I remember she would keep creatures and reptiles and stuff like that in her yard.”
Hawkins stayed active throughout her life, enjoying gardening and cycling, but shifted her focus to running when she became the oldest competitor in cycling events, and Peters says that Hawkins would often join her funning group…
“She was one of those people who’d ridden her bike around the University Acres area for as long as I can remember. So, she stayed fit for years.”
Known for her wit and humility, Hawkins often joked about her running abilities, saying she knew she could run because she used to dash to answer the telephone. Peters says her legacy as a trailblazing athlete and an inspiration to seniors worldwide lives on.
“I think she’s an inspiration to all of us no matter how old we are, that it is never too late to accomplish something like a world record in your age group.”
Hawkins remained busy and vibrant up until her final moments, even receiving a visitor just before her peaceful passing at St. James Place.
