By james art BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPRUD) — Baton Rouge resident and Senior Olympian Julia “The Hurricane” Hawkins has died at the age of 108, according to the National Senior Games Association.
Hawkins first entered and won medals at the Senior National Games in her 80s, but she achieved national fame when she took up competitive running when she was 100 years old, according to the NSGA.
In 2017, Hawkins set a world record in the 100 meters at the Senior National Games with a time of 39:62. According to the NSGA, in 2021 she became the first woman and American in the world to set a track record for the over-105 age group with a time of 1:02:95 in the 100 meters.
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NSGA President and CEO Sue Hlavacek released the following statement.
“Julia became the face of the Senior Games and inspired everyone she met with her joy and positive attitude towards life. Julia’s indomitable spirit and record-breaking runs sent waves of admiration around the world and proved that age is no limit to what you can achieve. Her example has motivated countless people to become active in their health and we are forever grateful to have her as part of the National Senior Games community.”
NSGA President and CEO Sue Hlavacek
Read the following statement from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Julia ‘Hurricane’ Hawkins at the remarkable age of 108. Julia was a true inspiration, taking up running after her 100th birthday and setting world records in her age group. Her spirit and determination to stay active and engage with life touched so many. We will keep her and her family in our prayers at this difficult time. Thank you Julia for showing us all that age is just a number!”
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser via Facebook
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