Who was Julia Hawkins? All about late centenarian sprinter who set world records after taking up running post her 100th birthday

Julia Hawkins was an athlete known for her remarkable achievements in track and field and cycling. She died on October 22, 2024, at St. James Place, in Baton Rouge, Louisana, at age 108.

Hawkins took up running competitively at the age of 100 after her sons entered her in her first track event, the 50m dash, in 2016. Shortly after, in the women’s 100m event, she accomplished a new world record in the 100+ age group category, clocking a time of 39.62s.

In 2021, she once again scripted history as the first female track and field athlete in the 105+ age group to officially complete a 100m dash, which she completed in a time of 1:02.95s. With these top accomplishments, Julia Hawkins, who earned the name "Hurricane," will surely remain an inspirational figure for not only senior but all athletes.

Let’s dive into knowing more about Hawkins’ personal life, hometown, and other notable accomplishments.

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Julia Hawkins’ family and hometown

Julia Hawkins, nee Julia Welles, was born on February 10, 1916, in Lake Genevạ, Wisconsin. She was the middle child of Margaret Welles and Julius Welles. Her family later relocated to Ponchatoula, where she was raised.

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Julia Hawkins' Education and Work

Julia Welles attended Louisiana State University. In 1940, she spent a year in Honduras, where she worked to educate the children of employees from a fruit company.

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How did Julia Welles and Murray Hawkins meet? All about their marriage

Welles met Murray Hawkins on her first day as a student during a party at the Episcopal Church in her freshman year at LSU.

Murray later worked as a civilian physicist in the US Navy. He was present at Pearl Harbor when Japan bombed the American naval base on December 7, 1941, pushing the U.S. into World War II. Following the attack, he was appointed as an officer and decided to stay in Hawaii to serve with the Navy.

As a result, rather than waiting for Murray to return, the couple got married over the telephone on November 29, 1942. Her father-in-law accompanied her to Baton Rouge to check whether marriage over the telephone was legitimate in the state of Louisiana.

After the war, the couple had four children - two sons Lad and Warren, and two daughters, Margaret Matens and Jugie Battle. While Murray taught at LSU and served as the head of the petroleum department there, Julia spent her time raising the four children. Murray and Julia spent seven decades together. Murray died in 2013 at the age of 95.

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When did Julia Hawkins' stint in sports begin? Know more about other top achievements

When Julia Hawkins was 75 years old, she participated in a cycling event at the Louisiana Senior Games, featuring in her first national-level competition, in 1996 in San Antonio. After a brief period of training with a 21-speed cycle, she bagged a bronze in the mile and came fifth in the 5K. One of her major accomplishments was winning two gold medals in the following three editions of the National Senior Olympics.

Besides this, Hawkins also set American records in the 100 plus category in indoor 60m, outdoor 100m, and indoor shot put events.