‘Keeping Men Out Of Women’s Sports.’ This single phrase might appear to be a simple one, but it’s attracted many opinions all across the spectrum. When President Donald Trump passed an executive order in February this year, it triggered heated debates and conversations with no resolution in sight. Among many who have found themselves in a less than favorable situation is California-born middle-distance runner, Nikki Hiltz. But with the track and field community’s support can Hiltz forge the path to greatness in the coming days? 

Nikki Hiltz came out as a transgender and non-binary individual back on March 31, 2021. For the uninitiated, the day is honored as the International Transgender Day of Visibility. However, the executive order passed by Trump has put athletes like Hiltz in a state of significant bother. For example, the executive order states that none of the transgender athletes must be allowed by the NCAA or the IOC to compete in cis-gender categories. And this applies to the LA28 Olympics as well. Does the 30-year-old wish she had done things differently?

Well, despite their career’s future being shrouded with uncertainty, Nikki Hiltz is still proud of the decision they made. Although “scared and nervous” initially, in a recent appearance on an episode of The Touch More, the middle-distance runner dwelled upon how their decision to come out publicly has slowly gained them the support of the public. Hiltz opined that it was pretty important to feel confident under their skin. “Ultimately it was very important that I started showing up as myself, and so took that leap of faith,” Hiltz said. While it has been almost four years since they initially came out, the reception Hiltz got has amazed them. 

“It’s now four years later, coming up on the anniversary, and I could not be more proud of track and field in the way they, the people in the sport have shown up and made space for me,” Hiltz opined. They further pointed out the rapid progress that the sport of track and field has made in the last couple of years, taking huge strides towards the goal of inclusivity, “I think if you would have told me four years ago that at the Olympic final in the 1500s there’d be someone standing on the start line and using they/them pronouns, I don’t think I would have believed you and it just brings me a lot of hope.” Maybe they are relying on this hope for the future because certain developments have been far from ideal.

Unfortunately, the new executive order carries within itself the potential to meddle with Hiltz’s dreams. While there has been large-scale opposition across the community, the executive order still stands. And as of now, it looks like there is not much to be done for Hiltz but to accept it. But that hasn’t stopped the 30-year-old from speaking up!

Nikki Hiltz speaks out against Trump’s executive order targeting trans athletes

Nikki Hiltz isn’t holding back! In the wake of Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which aims to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports, the track athlete is making their stance clear and powerful. Hiltz, who finished third in the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games on February 8th with an impressive 4:23.50, has turned their platform into a rallying point for trans inclusion.

Post her successful run at the Millrose games, Hiltz addressed issues closer to home in a Citius Mag interview, “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.” The California native didn’t even shy away from criticizing the focus of the order. As Nikki noted, “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 political headwinds, Hiltz remains unwavering in their message. They continue to highlight the importance of sports as a space for everyone. “Sports are such a beautiful thing, and no one should be excluded from it ever,” they declared.

Hiltz’s advocacy in this realm of sports goes way beyond words. Their performance at the Millrose Games was a testament to resilience. But it’s their voice off the track that’s leaving an even more lasting impact. Their bold stand against the executive order underscores not only their strength as an athlete but also their resolve as a champion for trans rights.