Nikki Hiltz, a biological female runner who identifies as “transgender non-binary,” won the women’s 1,500 meters on Sunday, earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
Hiltz also set a track record of 3 minutes, 55.53 seconds, breaking the record set in 2021 by El St. Pierre. Fox News report.
“I told myself not to think about all the love and support I got until I had 100 meters to go,” Hiltz said Sunday, “and then in that moment I could just let it all go and push myself to the finish line.” And that’s exactly what I did, and I think that’s what got me home.
Hiltz also argued that he was competing on behalf of the gay community.
Last night I qualified for my seventh consecutive US 1500 final, and having seen this race run in many different ways, I feel confident I will be ready for whatever comes my way on Sunday.
This is the DEEP 1500 finals. A rising tide floats all boats and this field has risen to epic levels. I am excited, grateful and ready to go. pic.twitter.com/iFVPXaba2T
— Nikki Hiltz (@Nikki_Hiltz) June 29, 2024
“It’s so unbelievable. This is bigger than me,” Hiltz said in an interview with NBC Sports. “Today is the last day of Pride Month. I wanted to run this race for my community and for all LGBTQ people. You all brought me the last 100 miles. [meters]”I could feel the love and support.”
Tournament records. Lifetime bests. The “H” in Hiltz stands for history. Nikki Hiltz Winning the Gold Medal translator First Olympic Trials pic.twitter.com/H0ZscedrNQ
— TOGETHXR (@togethxr) July 1, 2024
But Hiltz didn’t come out of nowhere: She ran at Oregon and Arkansas 15 years ago and was a U.S. athlete in 2018. She also won a silver medal at the 2024 World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, and a gold medal at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
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