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    Transgender, nonbinary American runner Nikki Hiltz qualifies for 2024 Olympics in Paris

    By Jenna Lemoncelli,

    6 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2LaFnY_0uC75NWk00

    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.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3w80MT_0uC75NWk00
    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]

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    “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.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1DgAyX_0uC75NWk00
    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

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    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Js9hB_0uC75NWk00
    Emma Gee and Nikki Hiltz react after Hiltz won the women’s 1500 meter final day of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials. Getty Images

    Taking to Instagram, Gee, who was the first out LGBTQ student-athlete at Brigham Young University, shared photos of them after the race.

    “So many years in the making…what an incredible journey & performance. You belong anywhere you decide to be,” Gee wrote.

    Hiltz continued to celebrate on social media Monday.

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    “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.”

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3kWnuZ_0uC75NWk00
    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
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4FwbsW_0uC75NWk00
    Nikki Hiltz celebrates after winning the women’s 1500-meter final. AP
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2SGTV5_0uC75NWk00
    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.

    Hiltz won the 1,500-meter race at the 2023 U.S. Championship last July, when they finished with a time of 4:03.10.

    Hiltz came out about their sexuality at age 19, and at age 26, they came out about their gender identity.

    For the latest in sports, top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com/sports/

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