Nikki Hiltz, an American transgender runner, qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women’s 1500m final with a record-breaking time of 3:55.33.
Hiltz, 29, broke the record during the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday, the final day of June Pride Month. The women’s 1500m record was previously held by fellow American Elle St. Pierre, who ran a 3:58.03 at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.
“It’s unbelievable. I literally can’t believe it,” Hiltz said after the race. “This is bigger than just me. It’s the last day of Pride Month and I wanted to run this one for my community. This is for all the LGBTQ folks, you guys brought me home that last 100 (meters). I could just feel the love and support.”
Hiltz will now be headed to their first Olympic Games, joined by Americans Emily Mackay, who placed second with a time of 3:55.90, and St. Pierre, who finished third at 3:55.99.
“To be going with these two, Elle St. Pierre has elevated women’s distance running,” Hiltz said. “I saw (St. Pierre’s record) time and I didn’t think that was possible. We all had to rise because of her. Awesome, awesome team we’re sending to Paris.”
Hiltz further detailed the emotions of their record-breaking achievement in an Instagram post, writing “a childhood dream of mine came true.”
“I’m not sure when this will fully sink in...” they added. “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.”
The 2024 Olympic Games begin July 26 in Paris, France.