Nikki Hiltz had a plan in place for when they got on the track Thursday at the Stade de France for the start of the women’s 1,500-meter semifinals. A race plan, yes. But also a joy plan. Hiltz, who is transgender/nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, frequently calls being queer their superpower. They thrive off the support they receive from the LGBTQ+ community. And Hiltz said that support, plus an extra boost from an advocate, fueled the Aptos native to a historic performance Thursday night.
Shortly after the competitors were unleashed to take their practice strides on the purple track, Hiltz jogged over to exchange a few daps with Team USA long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall. Then, once the starting gun went off, they confidently cruised to a third-place finish to become the first openly trans athlete to reach an Olympic final in an individual event.
“I can finally let it sink in that I’m in the final,” Hiltz said after the race. “And that just means a lot. I mean, I know I’m the first, but I’m definitely not the last. And so I hope, hope I can make it a little bit easier for the next nonbinary person to come after me.”
The Challenge of Representation
This hasn’t been an easy Olympics for nonconforming athletes, and for ones who are rumored to be. Two athletes competing in women’s boxing have been accused by the World Boxing Federation of being men even though they have always competed as women. Hiltz, meanwhile, has been the subject of social media rage, with people accusing them of being a man who is taking opportunities away from women. Hiltz was born female and has not undergone any hormone therapy.
Through sports, and the platform given to them through their success, though, Hiltz hopes to change those attitudes. “It’s a weird and crazy time politically. And, yeah, I think you see that play out in sports,” Hiltz said. “But I think sports is such a good example that just sets the tone for the rest of the world. Like, hey, queer people can be here and they can exist and they’re loved and supported.”
A Moment of Celebration
Hiltz and Davis-Woodhall, who later that night won the gold medal in long jump, planned their exchange while texting each other Wednesday night. The two athletes always compete on the same days, so Hiltz suggested they do something special to commemorate the Olympics. During warmups Thursday, they put words into action. “So we made a little handshake,” Hiltz said. “Her being herself out there and (being) fun and outgoing and just having fun out there, she inspires me to do a little bit more of that.”
Davis-Woodhall said she also took joy from the exchange. “It was the best moment for me to be in the moment with them,” she said. “And I’m just so thankful that I was able to do that.”
A Path Paved for Future Generations
Hiltz will try to keep the good times rolling through the final. They won’t have Davis-Woodhall, whose Olympic competition is over, by the track to give them that turbo boost. They will, however, have advocates in the pack, including Team USA training partner Elle St. Pierre.
St. Pierre, who qualified for the final by placing third in Heat 1, called Hiltz’s milestone “definitely awesome.” “I’m really happy for them,” St. Pierre said of Hiltz. “I think that they really stand up for their community, and that’s an inspiration in itself.”
Hiltz’s historic run is more than just a personal achievement. It’s a testament to the power of representation and the importance of supporting transgender and nonbinary athletes. As Hiltz said, they hope their success will “make it a little bit easier for the next nonbinary person to come after me.”
Embracing the “Nonbinary Place”
Hiltz has been vocal about their desire to not only compete at the Olympics but also to transition fully, a dream currently hindered by rules governing transgender athletes. In an interview with Runners World, they expressed their frustration, stating, “Going to the Olympics is such a dream of mine. But it’s also such a dream of mine to take testosterone or grow facial hair or have top surgery, and so I think sometimes I can really resent this sport.”
Hiltz’s journey highlights the complex realities of being transgender in a world that often struggles to understand and accept gender diversity. They are a role model for LGBTQ+ athletes, showing them that it’s possible to compete at the highest level while staying true to oneself. In a world divided by political discourse and social media rage, Hiltz champions a message of inclusivity and acceptance. Their journey is a reminder that sports can be a force for good, a platform to foster understanding, and a catalyst for positive change.
Beyond the Finish Line
Hiltz’s success is a testament to their resilience and determination, but it’s also a reflection of a broader cultural shift. The world is becoming more open to transgender and nonbinary identities, and athletes like Hiltz are paving the way for future generations to live authentically, both on and off the field. Hiltz’s story is just beginning. The final race may be over, but the impact of their journey is far from finished. As Hiltz stated, “The middle — it’s like the nonbinary place to be. It’s where the change can be made.”
Hiltz’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in all facets of life, including the world of sports. Their journey serves as an inspiration for athletes, fans, and everyone who is striving for a more just and equitable world. As they continue to break barriers, Hiltz’s story will continue to resonate with audiences across the globe, fostering conversations, sparking change, and ultimately, making the world a more welcoming place for all.
