Thrilling Victory at US Olympic Trials
Nikki Hiltz is redefining what it means to be a champion in the track and field world.
Hiltz secured their place on the US Olympic team with a breathtaking win in the 1500m race at the US Olympic Track and Field Trials. Hiltz, a trailblazing trans-non-binary athlete, clocked in at a record 3 minutes, 55.33 seconds, marking the second-fastest time ever by an American in this event. They will head to Paris on their first Olympic team later this year.
A Race to Remember
The final push in the race was nothing short of thrilling. With 300 meters left, Hiltz suddenly accelerates and passes their competition from fourth place. They faced intense competition from Elle Purrier St. Pierre and Emily Mackay. St. Pierre, already an Olympian, took an early lead, dominating the first 61 seconds. “The field was really deep, and I wanted to make it honest,” she said. But in the final lap, Hiltz and Mackay surged forward, setting up a dramatic finish.
“I told myself, ‘I’m not going to think about all the love and support until 100 meters to go. Then you can let it all fill you up and push you to the finish line,’” Hiltz revealed.
Hiltz’s partner, Emma Gee, proudly celebrated the victory on Instagram. “Y’all, they are headed to Paris,” she wrote. “Nikki Hiltz is an Olympian. Olympic Trials 1500m champion.”
After the race, the Olympian tells NBC Sports that they are also motivated by the “love and support” they’ve received from the LGBTQ+ community. “This is bigger than me,” Hiltz said. “It’s the last day of Pride month. I wanted to run this one for my community, and yeah, all the LGBTQ folks. You guys brought me home that last hundred [meters]. I could just feel the love and support.”
Looking Ahead to Paris 2024
Reflecting on their performance, Hiltz shared with the Paris 2024 Olympics press team, “A month ago I was in 3:59 shape, now 3:55. Where I’ll be in a month? I don’t know and I don’t want to put limits on that. I knew I was going to have to set a personal record to make this team, but 3:55? I haven’t gotten my head around that.”
They continued, “I haven’t wrapped my head around the Olympics… there’s so much catching up to do.”
Breaking Barriers in Track and Field
Hiltz publicly came out as trans and non-binary in 2021, sharing their journey on Instagram: “Hi, I’m Nikki, and I’m transgender. That means I don’t identify with the gender I was assigned at birth. The word I use currently to describe my gender is non-binary. The best way I can explain my gender is as fluid.”
Their journey to the Olympics is a personal triumph and a landmark moment for the LGBTQ+ community. Hiltz’s success highlights strength, resilience, and the importance of inclusivity in sports.
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