Nikki Hiltz made history by securing a spot on the US Olympic team after a remarkable performance in the Women’s 1,500-meter race, setting a new meet record. The achievement comes amidst a backdrop of controversy and celebration within the LGBTQ+ community.
Nikki Hiltz, a transgender non-binary runner, has qualified for the US Olympic team after winning the Women’s 1,500-meter race at the trials over the weekend. Hiltz set a new meet record with a time of 3 minutes and 55.53 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Elle St. Pierre in 2021. This achievement follows their victory in the same event at the 2023 US Championships.
Hiltz, who identifies as a non-binary transgender individual, resides in Flagstaff, Arizona, with their partner Emma Gee, an elite distance runner and the first openly LGBTQ+ athlete to compete for Brigham Young University.
The accomplishment was highlighted by soccer star Megan Rapinoe on her Instagram. However, Rapinoe faced criticism after being questioned by reporter Katie Daviscourt regarding her stance on trans athletes in women’s sports during Pride Month celebrations in Seattle. Rapinoe did not address the questions directly, leading to further backlash.
Hiltz celebrated their qualification on the last day of Pride Month, expressing gratitude for the support from the LGBTQ+ community. As a distinguished athlete, Hiltz boasts collegiate success at Oregon and Arkansas and has earned All-American honors, a silver medal at the 2024 World Indoor Championships, and a gold at the 2019 Pan American Games.
TOP EVENTS
TOP EVENTS
