Paris Olympics Hopeful Nikki Hiltz Opens Up on How Coming Out as Non-Binary Helped Their Athletic Journey

Maintaining a fiery form on the track and representing a class simultaneously has never been easy for Nikki Hiltz. But since their public announcement of belonging to the transgender community, Nikki Hiltz has never felt overburdened. Rather, they utilized every track and field chance to firm their voice for the betterment of the non-binary class. In the meantime, propelling such a change wasn’t easy for them. 

In a recent encounter, the World Indoor Athletics medalist explained their experience for the last several years. In the meantime, the version also gave out the silver lining of the overwhelming savoir-faire Nikki Hiltz gained. 

Self-belief can do wonders 

In TrackTown USA’s latest installment, Nikki Hiltz appeared, narrating their changeover from the years. So when explaining that upheaval, they focused on their post-2021 journey, where every humane emotion accompanied them. Among those, a particular emotion came as the heartbreak in the Tokyo Olympics. However, according to them, self-belief was there to turn the table. “When you start to work on things that maybe you have been told your whole life you’re not good at, and then you start seeing progress in that self-belief is just going to grow and grow,” they said. Meanwhile, this self-belief propelled the 29-year-old sprinter to think beyond their ability. 

In 2021, Nikki publicized their engagement with fellow runner Emma Gee. That engagement pacified them in those dark days of failure and existence. Acknowledging that part, they said, “I really felt that the past two years. Like I can do anything, and yeah I just got to keep growing and progressing and just trying to get better.” Now, when a larger responsibility is on their shoulder to cement the class, Nikki prefers to employ diversity on the track. 

Nikki Hiltz’s arrangement of representation 

The Paris Olympics qualification has meant a lot for Nikki Hiltz. Rather, they believe that through their participation in such high-octane championships, they can change the stringent rules imposed by the World Athletics governing body on transgender athletes. As per the imposed rules, transgender athletes have to take testosterone as gender-affirming care. For Nikki Hiltz, this is a serious revolt against their representation. So, they have otherwise in their mind. 

In a conversation with the New York Times, they added, “Right now, competing in the women’s category still feels OK for me and my gender and where I’m at with that journey. But the second it [taking testosterone] doesn’t, I’m not going to sacrifice myself for my sport. I’m going to choose the relationship with myself before my relationship with track and field.”  At this very juncture, Nikki Hiltz’s battle is against such questionable athletic presence. However, their future steps will decide the fate of the topic. 

Read more: USA’s Nikki Hiltz Reveals Heartfelt Story Behind Peculiar Fashion Accessory Donned at World Indoor Championship