American transgender sprinter smashes 1500m record to win 2024 Paris Olympics bid
Nikki Hiltz, an American transgender middle distance runner, celebrates after winning the women’s 1500-meter final in the United States Track and Field Olympic Team Trials on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon. Hiltz finished first in 3:55.33, setting a new record and qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. (Charlie Neibergall/AP)
Nikki Hiltz, an American transgender runner, ran a record-breaking 3:55.33 in the women’s 1500m final, qualifying her for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Hiltz, 29, broke the record at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday, the last day of June Pride Month. Elle St. Pierre, a fellow American, previously held the women’s 1500m record with a time of 3:58.03 in the 2021 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials.
“This is unbelievable. “I literally can’t believe it,” Hiltz stated after the race. “This is more than just me. It’s the final day of Pride Month, and I wanted to run this for my community. This is for all the LGBTQ people; you guys got me home that last 100 meters. I could feel their love and support.”
Hiltz will now compete in their first Olympic Games, alongside Americans Emily Mackay (second in 3:55.90) and St. Pierre (third in 3:55.99).
“To be going with these two, Elle St. Pierre has elevated women’s distance running,” according to Hiltz. “I watched (St. Pierre’s record time) and thought it was impossible. We all had to get up because of her. “We’re sending an outstanding crew to Paris.
In an Instagram post, Hiltz described their record-breaking performance as “a childhood dream of mine came true.”
“I’m not sure when this will fully sink in…” they informed me. “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.”
