April is shaping up to be a thrilling month for track and field, especially with Grand Slam Track highlighting a highly anticipated “Head-to-Head” bouts. One such anticipated tug-of-war feature is between Jessica Hull and Nikki Hiltz – a rivalry that’s been setting the sport alight since the Monaco Diamond League in 2023 when Hull finished 5th and Hiltz finished 6th. Then came the 1500m event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Intensifying the rivalry between the two, Hull claimed a magnificent silver in 3:52.56, with Hiltz delivering a strong performance at 3:56.38. But are these races simply isolated incidents of brilliance, or are they chapters in a larger, more compelling narrative of rivalry unfolding between Hull and Hiltz? To truly grasp the dynamics, guess what!! they finally spoke out!!

“We are all friends” that’s what Hiltz blurted out. As the Grand Slam Track prepares to spotlight this matchup in April, Nikki gives it all about their relationship with Hull in a video , revealing when the trigger is pressed, winning is all she remembers, “it’s so funny as soon as the gun goes off like no one’s friends we’re all trying to win”. Is there anything truer than that? On the track, all friendships transform into blazing competition, and the Australian track star too seems to agree with her U.S. counterpart.

Jessica Hull added to the California native’s argument of quickly transforming into competitors as soon as they set foot on the track, “we have competed a lot against each other over the years going back to college it’s a friendly rivalry but I think both of us are pretty good at switching it on when we’re on the track” But for Hiltz, there are serious considerations off the track too that can cause the athlete sufficient worry.

Nikki Hiltz does not just run, she creates history with her appearances. Every time the middle distance runner steps on the track, it’s a celebration of inclusivity. However, the recent turn of events has been discouraging to say the least. How is the track and field star managing it all while consistently crushing it on the track?

Nikki Hiltz remains undeterred despite the executive curbs

The February executive order signed by President Trump titled ‘Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports’, that aims to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, could directly impact athletes like Hiltz’s careers. This is a huge blow for the track and field sensation, yet, the 30-year-old refuses to back down!

This incredible track and field Olympian turned the Millrose Games into a stage for something truly spectacular: unwavering advocacy for transgender inclusion!.  Just moments before blazing onto the track in the prestigious Wanamaker Mile on February 8th – where they powered to a fantastic third-place finish in 4:23.50! – Hiltz ignited social media with a powerful message supporting the trans community. While the race itself was a nail-biter, the 30-year-old fearlessly used their platform to champion inclusivity. Talk about turning a moment into a MOVEMENT!

The applause just keeps rolling! Following their stellar Wanamaker Mile performance, the runner didn’t shy away from addressing the “emotional toll of Trump’s executive order on trans athletes.” With passion and conviction, they declared, “There are a lot of people struggling right now… The trans community, specifically, is under attack. It sucks—there’s no other word for it.” Their commitment to the issue has been consistent and admirable. The California native has gone above and beyond to raise awareness on the issue.

“There are fewer than 10 trans athletes out of 500,000 competitors. This should not be the focus of an executive order, in my opinion!” Despite the headwinds, Nikki Hiltz radiates hope and acknowledges the amazing support within the sports world, even giving a shout-out to fellow champions like Chrissy Gear. “Sports are such a beautiful thing, and no one should be excluded from it ever,” the Olympian proclaimed. What’s more? they are living that truth, continuing to inspire and advocate for transgender rights on social media. Nikki Hiltz – a true athlete, a powerful voice, and a champion for inclusion!