Thirty-year-old middle-distance runner Nikki Hiltz, who made history as the first openly nonbinary and trans athlete to reach an individual Olympic final, just claimed their third straight outdoor U.S. national title.
It’s the latest in a string of national victories for Hiltz, who also holds three indoor titles in the event. This one came down to their trademark finishing kick. In Saturday’s 1,500 meters final at the USA Track and Field National Championships, the field stayed tightly packed for most of the race.
“I do this thing with 200 meters to go. I count backward from 30,” Hiltz told NBC Sports after the win. “I was staying with Sinclaire until I thought, ‘Let’s empty the tank in the last 100 and here I go.’”
The athlete took to Instagram to celebrate their win. “I’m very proud of this one. So grateful for my people and very excited for the rest of this season! We’re just getting started fam!”
Hiltz first competed on the Olympic stage in Paris in 2024, finishing seventh in the 1,500m. Three years earlier, they didn’t even make the team — a disappointment that reshaped their training.
“I didn’t make the 2021 Olympic team and and I was like, ‘OK, my speed’s there, but I really need to work on my strength’,” Hiltz said. “I spent the past three years of my life to building my strength. I think I’m finally like where I want to be.”
All Roads Lead to Tokyo
Next up is the World Championships in Tokyo this September, where Hiltz is aiming for a spot on the podium.
“I’m actually really excited that I’m going to race a lot,” they said. “I’m excited to do a couple of fast Diamond League events before Tokyo.”
“Tokyo is going to be fast,” Hiltz added. “And I’m excited to see how fast I can run.”
Hiltz publicly came out as trans and non-binary in 2021, sharing their journey on Instagram: “Hi, I’m Nikki, and I’m transgender. That means I don’t identify with the gender I was assigned at birth. The word I use currently to describe my gender is non-binary. The best way I can explain my gender is as fluid.”
