“Woke up an Olympian” – Nikki Hiltz had a childhood dream, representing the USA on the Olympic stage. On a fateful Sunday at the historic Hayward Field, the 3-time national champion did just that! Hiltz had found themself on the same iconic track 10 years ago as an injured freshman at UO during the 2014 Prefontaine Classic. Tasked to hold the finish line tape back then, all they hoped for was to compete at the meet themselves.

Fast forward to 10 years later, Hiltz stepped on to the track to the same thunderous cheer they witnessed in 2014. Only this time, they were competing for a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hiltz might have walked into the track a Paris hopeful, but they blazed past the finish line, rightfully claiming the title of an Olympian. The Pan American Games Winner has previously mentioned how they have had to work through a few mental blocks before an event. This time around, though, they were prepared!

Nikki Hiltz punches their ticket to Paris at the Olympic Trials

Nikki Hiltz won the 1500m race at Hayward Field, qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team on Sunday. A day after the win, they shared a glimpse of the mental work they put in leading up to it. The tweet said, “Some of the BTS mental work I put into these Olympic Trials – met with my therapist once a week – kept randomly adding to my notes app things that motivate me, calmed me down, or instilled belief – journaled positive self talk and manifestations – meditated for 100 days straight” Hiltz has previously stated that regardless of the result, as soon as the gun goes off, they’d believe they made it. But this careful prep work has played a huge part in their Olympic Trial journey.

The 2-time National Indoor Champion blazed past their competitors in the final stretch. They clinched a record-breaking win with a time of 3:55:53. Not only did they run the second fastest time ever at the trials, they also broke a record set by Elle St. Pierre in 2021. Emily Mackay trailed behind them, setting a personal best of 3:55:90. Previous record holder, St. Pierre filled in the final spot with a personal best of 3:55:99.

Qualifying for their first Olympic run is a feat Hiltz can finally check off their list. But this win was historic for them in more ways than one. The event took place at the iconic track on the last day of pride month. Hiltz, who identifies as transgender and non binary, stated that this win is bigger than them. They wanted to run for the community, and it is their love and support that took them through the last 100m.

Nikki Hiltz has had their sights set on Paris for quite some time now. As they had their full circle moment at Hayward Field, they will now be looking to vie for Olympic glory in the French Capital. But this isn’t the first time the middle-distance runner has been honest about their mental health.

Their open stance on mental health in Glasgow

Nikki Hiltz achieved their career best at the World Athletics Indoor Championship in Glasgow, Scotland, earlier this year. They led the qualifying group by clocking in 4:04:32 seconds, qualifying for the 1500m finals. This was the fastest time in the first round of the Indoor Championships, putting them on top of Axumawit Embaye’s 4:04:83 in 2022.

Hiltz then went on to set a personal best in the finals with 4:02:32, clinching a silver at the Championships. They were the first American to win a medal in the event since 2003. Post their victory, they came out in support of their fellow athlete Hobbs Kessler who had clinched a bronze in the men’s 1500m event. The middle-distance runner broke down post his race and shared how he competed in the event with a mental block.

Hiltz celebrated his win by expressing, “Hats off to Hobbs for executing a great race despite fighting some demons and more importantly for being vulnerable and sharing 🙏” They also shared how they’ve personally had to deal with their own mental blocks, and racing was one of the last things they want to do in these instances.

As Nikki Hiltz prepares to set foot into the French Capital, their fans will be watching with bated breath. They might have achieved their dream of being an Olympian. For someone as honest about their journey so far, many are anticipating what their mindset would be like at the Summer Games. Will Nikki Hiltz bring home an Olympic gold? We will just have to wait and watch. Stay tuned!