Supergran breaks records, sets 100-metre record at age 105

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Like all elite athletes, Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins has a relentless streak. She is 105 years old and set a world record in senior 100-metre running.

The record was set last week at the Senior Games in Louisiana, but she is dissatisfied and wants to be faster.

She recorded a time of 1:02:95, which is a record for women in the 105+ age category.

- It was wonderful to see so many family members and friends. But I wanted to do it in under a minute – said the 105-year-old after the race, reports The Guardian.

This retired teacher is no stranger to athletic excellence. She began competing at the National Senior Games when she was 80, and won several gold medals. She eventually ended her cycling career saying that “there was no one to compete with in my age group”.

When she turned 100, she started running. In 2017, she set a world record in the 100-metre for women over 100 with a time of 39:62. When her record was broken by Diane Friedman in September, Hawkins decided to compete in a new age category.

- I love running and I love being an inspiration to others. I want to keep running as long as I can. My message to others is that you have to stay active if you want to be healthy and happy as you age – said Hawkins.