This combative grandmother wins the gold medal at the age of 105 at the senior games

Do you think that after a certain age, you have to hang up your sneakers and confine yourself to a sedentary life? Think again ! The story of Julia Hawkins, extraordinary athlete and centenarian, is there to prove to us that passion for sport knows no age limit. With an impressive track record and world records broken after celebrating her 100th birthday, Julia pushes back the barriers of time and prejudice. A look back at the inspiring journey of a champion with a mind of steel who pushes us to see life on the bright side.

At 107 spring, Julia Hawkins has lost none of her joie de vivre and her boundless energy. This great-grandmother, who had the chance to know her great-grandchildren, leads a full life surrounded by her family. When she is not busy tending her garden, her great passion with sport, she spends tender moments with her family. With her infectious smile and endearing personality, Julia embodies the image of a fulfilled and dynamic old age, far from the usual clichés. Meet an inspiring figure who has more than one trick up his sleeve.

As surprising as it may seem, Julia waited until she was 80 to start competing in sports. It was by getting on a bike that she discovered the joys of surpassing herself and the adrenaline of competitions. She specializes in time trials and immediately has great performances among the seniors. The podiums follow one another and with each pedal stroke, Julia pushes the limits of age a little further. But at 100 years old, she decided to “retire” from cycling, due to a lack of competitors in her category. The champion, however, is not decided to hang up for good.

Thanks to the initiative of one of her children, Julia finally swapped the bike for shorts and running shoes. Here she is now lined up on the starting line for the 50 and 100 meters in the Masters category. From his first strides, the century-old athlete distinguished himself with extraordinary performances. She thus becomes the oldest woman to set foot on an athletics track in the United States, according to the very serious National Senior Games Association. Nothing seems to stop Julia who is already tackling new sporting challenges with the desire to go ever faster, ever further. The legend is in progress.

Since she passed the 100-year mark, Julia has collected medals and records like others collect stamps. In 2017, at the age of 101, she achieved an exceptional time in the 100 meters by completing the distance in just 39.62 seconds, thus establishing a new world record in her age category. Two years later, she did it again by winning a double gold medal at the Louisiana Senior Games. Finally, in November 2021, she pushed the limits once again by setting a new record in the 105 and over category, with a fantastic time of 1:02.95. Performances that are all the more admirable because they are performed with a smile and incredible humility.

Each time she goes out on the track, Julia can count on the unwavering support of her family and loved ones who never miss an opportunity to encourage her. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are his first supporters and do not hesitate to travel hundreds of kilometers to witness his exploits. But the champion also arouses the admiration of all those who cross her path, and in particular the youngest. Having become a true source of intergenerational inspiration, Julia hopes to continue to give hope and the desire to surpass herself, whatever her age. Its leitmotif: to show that life deserves to be lived fully at any age.

How can we explain such energy and passion at more than 100 years old? Julia admits to drawing her strength from the unfailing love and support of those close to her. Widowed shortly after 70 years of a beautiful love story, she remains convinced that her late husband continues to watch over her and push her to go further. But its exceptional longevity is also explained by an impeccable lifestyle, based on daily physical activity. Almost every day, she puts on her sneakers to go for a walk or jog several kilometers. A fitness secret that allows it to remain competitive in all circumstances.

At over 107 years old, Julia Hawkins still has great pages to write and great records to achieve. With her fighting temperament and her thirst for surpassing herself, she perfectly embodies what an active and fulfilled old age should be. His exceptional journey commands admiration and proves that sport has no age, just like passion. In a society that often tends to make older people invisible, his story is a fantastic standard-bearer for rehabilitating this segment of the population. Julia is living proof that aging is not inevitable, but an opportunity to be seized to live many beautiful, long years. A lesson in life and optimism from Julia Hawkins.

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