Transgender and nonbinary middle-distance runner Nikki Hiltz booked their ticket to Paris after posting a blazing time at the Olympics Trials in Eugene, Oregon over the weekend. On Sunday, the 29-year-old won the women’s 1,500-meter race, thereby qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Team.
Hiltz, a biological female who identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, finished with a time of 3:55:33, breaking the previous meet record of 3:58:03 set by Elle St. Pierre at the U.S. trials in 2021. Following the historic performance, they dedicated the race to their greater community.
“I literally can’t believe it,” Hiltz began. “This is bigger than just me. It’s the last day of Pride Month. … I wanted to run this one for my community.
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In the final stretch of the race, Hiltz sped past Emily Mackay and Pierre, who led for most of the race but finished in third place. The California native made sure to praise their opponents for their strong efforts, commending Pierre specifically for encouraging them to be the best version of themself on the track.
“Elle St. Pierre has elevated women’s distance running. I saw the time, and I didn’t think that was possible,” Hiltz told NBC Sports. “We all had to rise because of her. … Awesome team we’re sending to Paris.”
Taking to social media one day after their record-breaking victory, Hiltz reminisced on the incredible moment.
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“I’m not sure when this will fully sink in… All I know is today I’m waking up just so grateful for my people, overwhelmed by all the love and support, and filled with joy that I get to race people I deeply love and respect around a track for a living.”
Back in 2021, the International Olympic Committee updated its rules to allow each sport’s governing body to have the final say on whether or not transgender athletes can compete.
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World Athletics makes no mention of nonbinary athletes, with competitors who don’t identify as exclusively male or female but are biologically female often allowed to compete in female categories.
Hiltz publicly came out about their sexuality at 19 years old, and revealed their gender identity seven years later.
* Original Article:
https://www.the-express.com/sport/other-sport/142069/Transgender-nonbinary-runner-Nikki-Hiltz-Olympics-qualification/amp
