Nikki Hiltz is into the Paris Olympics final, steps away from a medal and history

In an Olympic 1500-meter semifinal heat Thursday, trans nonbinary USA middle-distance runner Nikki Hiltz earned a chance at Olympic gold by finishing third and earning a spot in the final.

One month ago, Hiltz, fresh from winning the U.S. Olympic 1500-meter Trial, reflected on their journey. Hiltz came out as trans and nonbinary three years ago, failed to make the U.S. squad for the Tokyo Olympics, and has built an ascension over the last two years.

“I’ve spent the past 3 years rebuilding my confidence and reshaping that narrative,” They said via Instagram. “Telling myself every single day that I belong.”

Now Hiltz belongs in the Olympic final. Ethiopia’s Deribe Welteji won that second semifinal heat in a faster-than-it-looked 3:55.10. Australia’s Jessica Hull, a two-time NCAA Champion and collegiate rival of Hiltz, finished second.

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Hiltz was relaxed and strong in finishing at 3:56.17, a time close to their personal best, as well as the U.S. Trials record they put up in Oregon last month.

Minutes after the race, Hiltz broke into a celebration dance with USA long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall, who was preparing for her competition (she went on to win).

Hiltz will be one of two Americans in the 1500-meter final. Elle St. Pierre ran fourth in the first semifinal heat.

Saturday’s final has record-breaking potential. The field includes Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, who won the first semifinal heat Thursday.

The defending Olympic champion in the event broke her own world record last month at Diamond League Paris. Britain’s Laura Muir won the silver medal at 1500 meters in Tokyo and finished second to Kipyegon in that record-breaking race in July with Hull finishing third as both ran personal bests.

If Hiltz is able to run onto the medal podium, they would be the first American athlete to identify as trans or nonbinary to earn a medal at the Summer Olympics.

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