Hearing things like “you’re never too old” or “age is just a number” may sound quaint, but every so often someone comes along to remind you that the sentiments are true. Case in point: Julia Hawkins, who just set a track-and-field record, despite being older than the polio vaccine. At age 105, Hawkins — nicknamed “Hurricane” — set a world record in the 100-meter race at the Louisiana Senior Games in Hammond, Louisiana. The centenarian crossed the finish line at 1:02:95. A retired educator, the Louisiana native first took up racing at 101. She quickly set a world record in the 100-plus division, running the 50-meter dash in 46.07 seconds in 2019. Her training consists of maneuvering around her garden. Hawkins had a message to go along with her victory: “Stay healthy and keep running. I'm going to keep running as long as I can. I find it fun, and I like doing it.”
