In 2019, Julia Hawkins made history as the oldest woman to ever compete at a sanctioned track and field event — and Growing Bolder was there to capture not just the 50-yard dash and 100-yard dash races themselves, but Julia’s reaction to her record-setting run.

Admitting she had some nerves before lacing up, Julia — better known as “Hurricane” — said she pushed through those fears and doubts because she wanted to make a statement to the world about what 100 (and 103!) can look like.

See what she shared with us at the National Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and why her takeaway is that it’s not always about where you finish…but that you decided to get started at all!

Want more great stories from the National Senior Games? Click here!