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New York Post
Transgender, nonbinary American runner Nikki Hiltz qualifies for 2024 Olympics in Paris
By Jenna Lemoncelli,
6 hours ago
Transgender and nonbinary runner Nikki Hiltz is headed to Paris after their record-breaking win at the Olympics Trials in Eugene, Ore., on Sunday.
Hiltz, who uses they/them pronouns, qualified for the U.S. Olympic team after winning the women’s 1,500-meter race with a final time of 3:55.33 at Hayward Field — which broke Elle St. Pierre’s U.S. trials record of 3:58.03, set in 2021.
The 29-year-old Hiltz explained the significance of winning this race for their community.
Nikki Hiltz wins the women’s 1500-meter final during the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials. AP [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3aRTiNiR_w?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&start=3&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
“I literally can’t believe it,” Hiltz said , referring qualifying for their first Olympics. “This is bigger than just me. It’s the last day of Pride Month. I wanted to run this one for my community. All the LGBT folks, yeah, you guys brought me home that last hundred [meters]. I could just feel the love and support.”
Hiltz — a seven-time All-American from San Diego, Calif. — celebrated at the finish line with their girlfriend, fellow track and field runner Emma Gee.
The couple was all smiles while hugging on the track.
Emma Gee, left, and Nikki Hiltz celebrate after Hiltz won the women’s 1500 meters on the final day of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene on June 30, 2024. Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
“Woke up an Olympian,” they wrote on Instagram , including a collage of photos that featured the athlete celebrating the victory. “Yesterday afternoon in Eugene Oregon a childhood dream of mine came true. 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.”
Nikki Hiltz celebrates after winning the women’s 1500-meter final during the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Ore. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Nikki Hiltz celebrates after winning the women’s 1500-meter final. AP Nikki Hiltz celebrates on June 30 after the win. AP
Prior to Sunday’s final, Hiltz was leading qualifiers through the semifinal rounds a time of 4:01.40.
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