Nikki Hiltz graces the track at Stade de France for the women's 1,500-meter final, ready to make history for Team USA.
Before they step foot on the starting line, Hiltz has already made history and has inspired millions around the world. They're the first transgender and non-binary athlete to compete in a track and field final at the Olympics.
It's not new information as Hiltz came out via Instagram in 2021, however, much of the world may be learning of it during the 2024 Paris Olympics. It comes at a time of heightened conversations surrounding gender and sexuality led by Algerian female boxer Imane Khelif.
There hasn't been much controversy, if any at all, with Hiltz at this point. Here's all you need to know about Hiltz, including their pronouns and why they can compete in the women's races.
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Nikki Hiltz pronouns, explained
Hiltz goes by they/them pronouns and is the first transgender/non-binary athlete to compete in a track and field final at the Olympics.
The 29-year-old placed third overall in the 1,500-meter semifinals, earning a spot in the final on Saturday, Aug. 8. Luckily for Hiltz, they believe they have an advantage: the superpower of being queer.
"I feel like I have a superpower being queer out there. I really do," Hiltz said. "I feel like no matter what, before the gun goes off, that I am loved and supported. That just allows me to run free."
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Hiltz is hoping they can inspire others to be able to follow in their footsteps.
"I know I’m the first, but I’m definitely not the last," Hiltz said. "So I hope I can make it a little bit easier for the next non-binary person to come after me."
Hiltz is one of a few non-binary athletes to compete at the Olympics throughout history. USA's Alana Smith and Canada's Quinn became the first two publicly non-binary athletes at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Why is Nikki Hiltz competing in the women's 1,500m?
Hiltz was born female, and although they identify as transgender and non-binary, they haven't underwent any surgery or testosterone treatment.
This remains in line with Olympic guidelines that allows Hiltz to compete in the women's races without an unnatural advantage.
The 29-year-old said it's a "dream" to get surgery and take testosterone, but that's not a realistic scenario while they are an Olympic athlete.
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Where did Nikki Hiltz go to college?
Hiltz enrolled at the University of Oregon with a track scholarship. They spent two years with the Ducks before transferring to the University of Arkansas.
They captured seven All-American honors throughout their collegiate career.
After college, Hiltz signed a professional contract with Adidas. They are now an official Lululemon sponsored athlete.
