Nikki Hiltz, a transgender non-binary middle-distance runner from the United States, has secured a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women’s 1,500m after winning the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials with a record-setting time of 3:55.53. Their performance shattered the previous trials record of 3:58.03 set by Elle St. Pierre at the 2021 track and field trials by over two seconds.
In an Instagram post, Hiltz expressed gratitude for the achievement, stating: “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.”
Hiltz, who previously won a silver medal in the 1,500m at the Indoor World Championships in March, will be attending their first Olympic Games. They will be accompanied by Emily Mackay, who finished second with a time of 3:55.90, and St. Pierre, who came in third at 3:55.99.
“This is bigger than just me,” Hiltz said to NBC. “It’s the last day of Pride Month, and I wanted to run this one for my community. All the LGBTQ folks, you guys brought me home that last 100. I could just feel the love and support.”
“To be going with these two, I mean, Elle St. Pierre has elevated women’s distance running. I saw the time, and I didn’t think that was possible. We all had to rise because of her. [This is an] awesome, awesome team we’re sending to Paris.”
