Who is Nikki Hiltz, the Trans and Nonbinary Runner at the Paris Olympics?

Nikki Hiltz is an accomplished American middle-distance runner known for their specialization in the 1500 meters and mile events.

As of 2024, Hiltz holds the American record in the mile and is the reigning U.S. 1500m champion. They also secured a silver medal at the 2024 World Indoor Championships.

 Early Life and High School Career

Hiltz attended Aptos Middle School, where they competed in various events including the 400 meters, 800 meters, high jump, and long jump.

At Aptos High School, Hiltz won six California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Central Coast Section titles, showcasing their early talent in track and field.

Collegiate Career

Hiltz began their college career at the University of Oregon in 2014 before transferring to the University of Arkansas in 2016.

During their time at Oregon, Hiltz finished 8th in the mile at the 2015 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships and was part of the NCAA Division 1 & Pac-12 Conference Track and Field Championship team.

After transferring to Arkansas, Hiltz contributed to the team’s 5th place finish in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) at the 2016 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships.

They also earned First Team NCAA Division I All-America honors in the 1500 meters outdoors at the 2018 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Professional Career

Turning professional in 2018, Hiltz continued to make waves in middle-distance running. In 2024, they set a personal best and American Indoor Record in the 1,000 meters with a time of 2:34.09.

They also competed in the 2-mile at the Millrose Games, placing 4th with a significant personal best.

At the 2024 US Indoor Championships, Hiltz defended their title in the 1500 meters and went on to win silver at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow with a personal best time of 4:02.32.

They also won the 1500 meters at the 2024 US Olympic Trials, setting a new trials record and earning a spot on the Olympic Team.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Assigned female at birth, they come out as transgender and nonbinary on International Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31, 2021..

Hiltz has been in a relationship with Emma Gee, a former student-athlete at Brigham Young University and Temple University.