Ran to answer calls: 103-year-old American woman broke world records

When Julia “The Hurricane” Hawkins turned 100 years old, she stopped riding a bike and started running. The motivation was the desire to answer calls to a landline phone.

Photos from personal archive

Now, at the age of 103, she won gold in the 50- and 100-meter races in national adult competitions, and set the record for the oldest woman herself.

“I was always running to answer the phone, so I thought I could run,” she told Today.

Throughout her life, Hawkins was an avid cyclist and gardener. She has dozens of bonsai trees on an acre of land in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“I will ride my bike every day, and when I get older, someone will ride with me,” she used to think.

On the subject: Without Minsport: what is the secret of the success of American sports

When cycling became too difficult, she wanted to change her bike to a run. Soon after, she began running 100 meters, breaking several world records.

“I don't train like most runners. I just stay active and do a lot of things,” she said.

Although she does not run regularly, every day a woman practices yoga, and also works in the garden, caring for plants. Julia lives in the house she and her husband, Murray, built after World War II.

Hawkins has always been an activist. During the war, she ran a summer camp for girls, taught in elementary school, and was a leader among girls and boy scouts for her four children.

Julia attributes her success in life to her successful 70-year marriage. Although Murray passed away at 95, she believes she lived a wonderful life thanks to her husband's support. “Marrying a good person is the secret to a long, happy relationship,” she says.

On the subject: As a former member of the USSR Olympic team, he now coaches American Olympians.

“Marry someone you not only love, but also someone you admire and respect,” Hawkins says.

However, a woman is shy when they talk about her records.

“If I inspire older people... That's good,” she said. - Do not stop. Just keep moving and be interested in things.”

Read also on ForumDaily:

How much do American families spend on their children's sports career?

As tennis player Maria Sharapova became rich and famous

Opinion: in the USA, no one owes anything to your children

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.