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Now is a Good Time
Nov 20, 2017
I loved reading about American athlete Julia Hawkins, who took up competitive running for the first time in her life at age 100 and currently holds the world record for the 100-yard dash in her age category.
Julia Hawkins set her world record by running the 100-yard dash in 39.62 seconds. Now 101 years old, her feat has earned her the nickname “Hurricane”.
Reading about Julia Hawkins, I wondered if there were other such women. A short internet-search later I discovered that even India has a 101-year-old woman athlete: Mann Kaur. Mann Kaur competed in the World Master Games in New Zealand earlier this year and became the oldest female athlete to win a gold medal in the 100-meter race, completing it in 74 seconds.
Reading about Julia Hawkins and Mann Kaur inspired me to do something I haven’t done in a while: write an article. This article!
So, think about something you’d love to do, maybe something you’ve been putting off because it seemed daunting … and just start. As the Chinese proverb says: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
I was thirty-eight years old when I ran my first full marathon. Several people discouraged me from the endeavor. “What do you have to prove?” I was often asked. I replied that I have nothing to prove, just something to experience.
The human body is capable of incredible things, so don’t ever let age or circumstance hold you back. Consult with your doctor, throw caution to the wind and make your dreams come true.
Ask yourself: “what would Julia Hawkins or Mann Kaur do?”
Dr. Apurva Gupta
Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Panchsheel Park
