Transgender and nonbinary middle-distance runner Nikki Hiltz made history at the U.S. Olympic Trials by running the second fastest time ever for an American in the women’s 1500-meter race. With a time of 3:55:33, Hiltz qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, marking their Olympic debut. Hiltz, who uses they/them pronouns, emphasized the community support they felt during the race, especially during Pride Month. Other top finishers, Elle St. Pierre and Emily Mackay, also qualified for the Paris Olympics.
Hiltz credited St. Pierre for pushing the runners to go faster, stating that the women’s distance running has been elevated because of her. Hiltz expressed gratitude for the love and support they received from their community and the joy of racing with people they deeply love and respect. This achievement fulfills a childhood dream for Hiltz.
Hiltz will join the ranks of LGBTQ athletes participating in the Paris Olympics, following in the footsteps of Canadian soccer star Quinn who made history as the first openly transgender and nonbinary athlete to participate in the Tokyo Olympics and went on to win a medal. Hiltz’s accomplishment adds to the growing representation of LGBTQ athletes in competitive sports, with at least 186 LGBTQ athletes competing in the Tokyo Games. Additionally, German athlete Timo Cavelius will be the first out gay man to compete in Olympic judo, highlighting the diversity and inclusivity in the world of sports.
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