Nikki Hiltz picks up another win with an engagement to fellow runner Emma Gee
Nikki Hiltz and Emma Gee shared the beautiful news that they are engaged to be married, as they each aim for the 2028 Olympics.
Mark
Since 2023, nonbinary American middle-distance star Nikki Hiltz has built a competitive resume on the track and road, as well as a legacy as a fierce LGBTQ advocate off of it.
Late last week, you could add “engagement” to their story.
In a heartfelt note via Instagram, Hiltz announced that they were engaged to longtime girlfriend and fellow athlete Emma Gee.
“When I was younger I used to dream that one day I would be brave enough to come out and that I would be lucky enough to find a woman to love and be loved by,” they stated. “Every time I hug @emma_gee1777, go for a run, hold hands, or wake up next to her it’s a reminder that I’m living the life I once dreamed of. I think living in that constant state of gratitude is a big part of what makes queer love so magical.”
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Gee has been glitter and grit in supporting Hiltz since they met in 2020.
The former Brigham Young student-athlete was the first publicly out athlete in the history of the conservative Mormon-run university, before later transferring to Temple and breaking the school record there in the 3000 steeplechase.
In 2024, Gee participated in the Olympic trials but was eliminated in the preliminary heats.
Despite not making Team USA for Paris, Gee was part of one of the most endearing images from the Olympics in 2024, a shared kiss with Hiltz after watching them put in a gutsy effort at 1500 meters and ending up in seventh place.
Related
Trans, nonbinary star Nikki Hiltz wins 4th straight national indoor title
‘I knew the last three laps were gonna be a burner,’ Hiltz says, in describing their strategy in winning the indoor title again.
Photo credit: Seth Harrison/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The engagement comes as Hiltz adds to the trophy case more in 2026.
In February, they broke open a tactical race late to win the women’s Wanamaker mile and beating longtime rival Australia’s Jessica Hull to do it. They followed up with their fourth straight national indoor title at 1500 meters, their seventh at the distance overall and their 10th national title combining those on the track and on the road.
They followed up with a strong bronze medal effort at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland March 22, where they powered through the final lap moving up from fifth to take third place just inches ahead of France’s Agathe Guillemot and end up with their first sub-4 minute indoor 1500.
“It’s easier to chase um than be chased. So, I knew I could maybe catch her off guard or when you’re that close to line,” Hiltz told reporters after a wild finish. “You truly just have to give it all you got. I was that was all the gears I had and I was just grateful was about it.”
Gee has been busy building towards her outdoor season as well. After an indoor season contesting the open 3000 meters, she started the outdoor season with a strong win in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the Payton Jordan Invitational at Stanford May 1.
Short-term attention for both turns to the USATF Outdoor Championships in New York City in July. Hiltz seeking a fourth straight outdoor title at 1500 meters, and possibly a bid for the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in September in Budapest. Gee has a goal of taking a next step up by making the 3,000 steeplechase final at nationals.
Both have special long term goal beyond this season, starting with planning a wedding.
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