A transgender/non-binary American runner qualified for the Paris Olympics in record time, but there’s more to the story than mainstream headlines suggest. Nikki Hiltz earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team on Sunday in the women’s 1,500 meters with a time of 3:55:33, the second-fastest time ever by an American in the event and the fastest time in the history of the U.S. Olympic Trials. This will be Hiltz’s first Olympic appearance.
The 29-year-old Hiltz identifies as transgender and non-binary, a theme he addressed in his post-race interview. He uses “they/them” pronouns.
“This isn’t just about me. pride “This month, I wanted to run this race for my community,” Hilts told NBC News. “LGBT people, you all, are what got me through those last 100 miles. [meters]”I could feel the love and support.”
Hiltz’s comments sparked a series of confused reports in the mainstream media. CBS News ran a story with the headline “Transgender Runner Nikki Hiltz Wins 1500 Meter Final, Makes U.S. Olympic Team.”“ NBC News ran a story with a similar headline, further obfuscating the issue by citing World Athletics’ rules regarding transgender athletes, the sport’s world governing body.
But few mainstream reports cited a key fact in this controversy: that Hilts is biologically female.
Hiltz transferred from the University of Oregon and ran track and field for the University of Arkansas women’s team from 2015 to 2017. Bio From that point on, Hilts was referred to as “the daughter of Tom and Liz Hilts.”“ As a high school student in California, Hiltz was on the girls’ team and won the California 1,600 meter championship in 2012.
Hiltz came out as transgender/non-binary on Instagram in 2021. post However, she continued to compete in the women’s competition.
thread Let’s Run Acknowledging confusion about mainstream reports, he added: “The articles do not explain that Hilts is biologically female. Hilts does not use testosterone, which is banned by IAAF.”“
Hiltz The situation is different for University of Pennsylvania’s Leah Thomas, who is biologically male but competes as a woman in swimming and will become the first transgender woman to win an NCAA championship in 2022.
Riley Gaines, a former NCAA All-American swimmer who has been critical of biological males competing in women’s sports, said Hiltz’s situation is unique.
“A woman who identifies as transgender has been selected for the U.S. Women’s Olympic Team.“ Gaines wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I wonder why she never tried out for the boys’ team. It’s as if she knew she would never be able to compete or succeed at the same level as the boys. That’s really indicative. I think it’s great that she earned a spot on the girls’ team. An impressive feat (as long as PEDs aren’t used). Just pointing out the hypocrisy and double standards. The girls’ division is inclusive.”
I think it’s great that she was selected for the women’s team, an impressive feat (as long as she doesn’t use PEDs).
I’m just pointing out the hypocrisy and double standards. The women’s section is inclusive.
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) July 2, 2024
Last year, World Athletics approved new rules stating that biological males who had gone through puberty could not compete in women’s events, citing “fairness” issues.“ A year ago, swimming’s governing body, FINA, passed new rules banning swimmers from competing in international swimming competitions after puberty.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Patrick Smith/Staff
Michael Faust He has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years, and his work has appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star and Knoxville News Sentinel.
