American transgender middle-distance runner Nikki Hiltz Eligible 2024 Olympics She put in a record-breaking performance in the women's 1500m final on Sunday.
At the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials held at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field, Hiltz took first place with a final time of 3:55.33, beating Elle St. Pierre's 2021 U.S. Trials record of 3:58.03.
Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
In an Instagram post, Hiltz, who uses they/them pronouns, called the moment a “childhood dream” come true and also thanked his supporters, saying, “All I know today is that I woke up incredibly grateful to my fans, overwhelmed by the love and support, and happy to be able to earn a living racing with people I truly love and respect.”
This will be the 29-year-old's first Olympic appearance after they won silver at the world indoor championships earlier this year.
Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Sunday's race fell on the final day of Pride Month, adding extra meaning to the monumental moment for Hiltz. “This isn't just about me,” he said in an interview with NBC Sports after the race.
“I wanted to run this for my community,” Hiltz continued. “LGBT people, you all, got me that last 100 miles. I felt the love and support.”
The 2024 Olympic Games will begin on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France.
