Trans non-binary athlete Nikki Hiltz has secured their sixth consecutive national title in the 1500m, continuing a remarkable streak at the USA Track and Field National Championships on 2 August.
This victory marks their third outdoor title in the event and a moment of celebration for the athlete, who first came out as trans and non-binary in 2021.
“This feeling never gets old! 6x National Champ in the 1500m,” Hiltz wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo of their triumphant finish. “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!”
A Strategic Win
Speaking to NBC Sports, Hiltz explained their race tactic during the final stretch:
“I do this thing with 200 meters to go. I was staying with Sinclaire until I thought, ‘Let’s empty the tank in the last 100 and here I go.’”
That final push sealed the victory, reinforcing Hiltz’s place among the best middle-distance runners in the U.S.
From Olympic Miss to Momentum
Hiltz narrowly missed making the Tokyo 2021 Olympic team, a moment that prompted serious self-reflection and training adjustments.
“I didn’t make the 2021 Olympic team and I was like, ‘OK, my speed’s there, but I really need to work on my strength’,” they shared post-race. “I spent the past three years of my life building my strength. I think I’m finally like where I want to be.”
The years since have seen them transition through multiple coaching changes, emerging stronger and faster.
Looking Ahead to the World Championships
Now focused on the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (13–21 September), Hiltz is ready to test themselves against the world’s best.
They qualified by winning the women’s 1500m at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Oregon, securing a coveted spot on Team USA.
“Tokyo is going to be fast… And I’m excited to see how fast I can run,” they said.
A vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in sport, Hiltz previously urged trans and non-binary athletes to “keep going”, following their 2024 qualification for the Paris Olympics semi-finals.
