In a powerful and inspiring moment, Nikki Hiltz took a victory lap to celebrate a long-awaited trip to the Olympics, marking a historic milestone not just for their athletic career but for the entire LGBTQ+ community. As fans reached out and handed bracelets to their favorite 1,500-meter runner, it became evident that Hiltz was running not just for personal glory but for the many who see themselves reflected in their journey.
Shining in Two Lanes: Track and Advocacy
Hiltz, who identifies as transgender and nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, has made significant strides both on and off the track. They are not just one of the world’s top middle-distance runners but also a prominent role model for the queer community. “I’m just looking forward to keep showing up as myself and keep taking up space,” the 29-year-old Hiltz said after earning their first trip to the Olympics at the U.S. track trials. “I use they/them pronouns and people stumble all the time. But it’s like, ‘You can’t really ignore me anymore, because I’m a two-time, back-to-back champion. I’m here, get-it-right’ kind of vibe.”
Their race plan last Sunday went exactly as drawn up. Hiltz started fast, stayed close to the lead pack, and surged ahead at the end, running a personal best and meet-record time of 3 minutes, 55.33 seconds to hold off Emily Mackay and Elle St. Pierre. It was a sharp contrast to the 2021 Olympic trials, where they finished last in a final won by St. Pierre. “I’ve just done so much work since then,” Hiltz reflected. “So much mental work and obviously physical work, too. It’s just a journey.”
Nikki Hiltz: Embracing Authenticity and Advocacy
Three months before the 2021 trials, Hiltz came out as transgender in a heartfelt social media post, allowing friends, family, fans, and even rivals to see them for who they truly are. March 31, 2021, marked a pivotal day for Hiltz, who holds the American record in the women’s mile, as they embraced their identity publicly.
As they prepare for the Paris Olympics, Hiltz knows they are running for more than just personal achievement. They are an advocate in a world where transgender participation in sports remains a contentious issue. “I definitely pour a lot of myself and a lot of my time and energy into the queer community and being an advocate,” Hiltz said last summer before the world championships in Budapest, Hungary. “But I do that because I get so much in return. Every time I meet another nonbinary person in the queer community, they provide me with more representation. They always say that I’m doing that for them, but I think representation is a two-way street and I definitely feel empowered.”
Navigating a Complex Landscape
Hiltz competing in the female category doesn’t raise the same controversies faced by transgender women. The debate over transgender athletes’ participation has intensified, with high-profile cases like swimmer Lia Thomas and policies from World Aquatics and World Athletics adding layers of complexity.
Hiltz’s stance is clear: inclusivity should be at the forefront. “As someone who’s competed in women’s sports my whole life, I think we do need protecting, but I don’t think it’s from trans women,” Hiltz said. “I think it’s from abusive coaches. Or there are so many more issues, like equal representation, equal pay. Those are the issues I would love to address instead of trans women, because that’s not something we’ve ever had to have protecting from.”
Each year, Hiltz organizes a 5K race to support LGBTQ+ organizations, promoting a shared determination to belong anywhere they choose to be. “I want to continue to work to make space for everyone,” Hiltz said.
Achievements and Aspirations
On the track, Hiltz had an impressive summer, breaking a longstanding American mile record. This season, they’ve only gotten faster, now moving on to the grand stage of the Olympics in Paris. Nikki Hiltz earned their spot at the University of Oregon, where their college career began, later transferring to Arkansas. They fondly recall a moment during their freshman year at Eugene, where they sat on the track at Hayward Field, dreaming of future victories. “I just remember thinking like, ‘I’m going to have a moment here one day,’” Hiltz shared. “Something inside of me was like, ‘I want to win a race here and I want it to be a big one.’”
A Supportive Foundation
An incredible support network has aided Hiltz’s journey. “I’m so privileged,” Hiltz said. “My family has always been accepting of me, when I came out about my sexuality, and then when I came out with my gender identity. I just know so many queer people don’t have that love and support.”
Hiltz’s participation in the Olympics is not just about personal achievement; it’s a broader statement of representation and inclusivity. “This is bigger than just me,” they told NBC after qualifying for the Olympics. “It’s the last day of Pride Month, and I wanted to run this one for my community. All the LGBTQ folks, you guys brought me home that last hundred. I could just feel the love and support.”
Pioneers in the Spotlight
Hiltz’s journey is part of a larger narrative of LGBTQ+ athletes breaking barriers. In 2021, New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard and mononymous soccer player Quinn made headlines at the Tokyo Games. In 2022, American figure skater Timothy LeDuc competed in the Winter Games in Beijing, making history as the first openly nonbinary Olympian in their event.
Despite the controversies and challenges, Hiltz’s presence on the track underscores the evolving understanding of gender and sports. Their journey exemplifies resilience, authenticity, and the pursuit of inclusivity in a world still grappling with these complex issues.
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Moving Forward with Purpose
As Nikki Hiltz looks ahead to Paris, they remain committed to using their platform to uplift trans and queer individuals. “Throughout this journey to the Paris Olympic Games, I’m going to continue to use my platform to uplift trans and queer folks and maybe educate some people along the way too,” Hiltz shared on Instagram. “If you consider yourself an ally to the LGBTQ+ community I hope you join me in doing the same.”
Hiltz’s story is a beacon of hope and strength, a testament to the power of authenticity and advocacy. As they lace up for the Olympics, they carry with them the dreams, struggles, and hopes of countless individuals who see in Hiltz a reflection of their own journey. The road to Paris is not just about the medals but about making a lasting impact on the world stage, proving that inclusivity, representation, and determination can pave the way for a brighter future for all.
