Nikki Hiltz is an American middle-distance runner known for competing in the 1500 meters and mile. They hold the American record for the mile and secured a gold medal at the 2023 US 1500 m championship. Additionally, they won a silver medal at the 2024 World Indoor Championships.
Nikki Hiltz was born on October 23, 1994.
The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth, was founded in 1998.
Nikki Hiltz made history by becoming the first American since Regina Jacobs in 2003 to win a medal in the 1500m at the World Indoor Championships, where they achieved a silver medal.
In 2008, while attending Aptos Middle School, Nikki Hiltz excelled in track and field events, including the 800m and long jump.
During middle school in 2009, Nikki Hiltz showcased athletic prowess, recording impressive times in the 400m and 800m, and demonstrating skills in high jump and long jump.
Nikki Hiltz's collegiate running journey began in 2014 at the University of Oregon.
Nikki Hiltz achieved success at the 2015 NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships, securing 8th place in the mile and contributing to the Oregon Ducks' team victory.
At the 2016 NCAA Division I Indoor Championships, Nikki Hiltz, representing the Arkansas Razorbacks, contributed to a 5th place finish in the Distance Medley Relay.
In 2016, Nikki Hiltz made a significant decision to transfer to the University of Arkansas to continue their collegiate running career.
In 2017, Nikki Hiltz secured a 6th place finish in the mile at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships.
In 2018, Nikki Hiltz signed a sponsorship deal with Adidas and joined The Mission Athletics Club, now known as The Golden Coast Track Club. This year marked a period of personal growth, as Hiltz achieved a personal best time in the 800m and demonstrated strong performance in various races, including the Aetna Falmouth Mile and the Memphis Ed Murphey Mile.
Nikki Hiltz achieved significant milestones in 2018, earning First Team NCAA Division I All-America honors in the 1500m and placing 3rd in the mile at the NCAA Division I Championships.
During the 2024 Millrose Games, Nikki Hiltz significantly improved their personal best time in the 2 mile, showcasing their dedication to pushing limits and achieving new milestones. This achievement surpassed their previous record set in 2019.
2019 marked a successful year for Nikki Hiltz, highlighted by strong performances in various indoor and outdoor track and field events. Hiltz secured victories in the 800m and 1500m races, demonstrating their versatility and achieving a personal best in the 1500m at the World Athletics Championships.
In 2020, Nikki Hiltz demonstrated their commitment to social causes by organizing Virtual Pride 5k races, with proceeds donated to The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth.
Nikki Hiltz began dating Emma Gee in 2020.
On March 31, 2021, Nikki Hiltz publicly came out as transgender and nonbinary on International Transgender Day of Visibility.
In 2021, Emma Gee, an accomplished athlete who previously competed for Brigham Young University and Temple University, qualified for the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Nikki Hiltz participated in the 2021 United States Olympic trials, competing in both the 800m and 1500m events.
In 2022, Nikki Hiltz signed a sponsorship deal with Lululemon after parting ways with Adidas. Hiltz achieved a second-place finish in the prestigious Fifth Avenue Mile, further solidifying their presence in the running world.
On July 21, 2023, Nikki Hiltz achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new personal best and American record in the mile at the Monaco Diamond League. Their time of 4:16.35 also secured them a North American Area Record.
In 2023, Nikki Hiltz won the USATF Outdoor National Championship title in the 1500m, marking a significant career milestone.
In 2024, Nikki Hiltz participated in the Millrose Games, opting for the 2 mile to challenge their endurance, and later successfully defended their US Indoor title in the 1500m, securing a spot in the World Athletics Indoor Championships.
Nikki Hiltz achieved a silver medal in the 1500m at the 2024 World Indoor Championships.
Nikki Hiltz secured a place on the Olympic Team by winning the 1500m race at the 2024 US Olympic Trials, setting a new trials record in the process.
Starting the 2024 season strong, Nikki Hiltz set a new personal best and American Indoor Record in the 1,000-meter run at the UW Invitational.