Who Are Nikki Hiltz’s Parents and Siblings? Everything You Need To Know About the Transgender & Non-Binary Athlete’s Family

“I have the confidence to accurately share my truth and the affirming love and support of my family and friends.” Nikki Hiltz’s brave announcement on Instagram on March 31, 2021 – that the middle-distance runner was transgender became an iconic moment in their life. Since then, free of the burden of hiding and not being themselves, the 29-year-old has found a renewed vigor for track and field. And that peaked when they ran in the Paris Olympics finals 1500m race.

Eventually, Hiltz came home 7th, but it was a major milestone in their life. And Hiltz couldn’t have done it without the enormous support they received from the community. Not to mention, Hiltz’s biggest support system has been their parents all along, without whom their journey could have been a lot more lonely and harsh. So, let’s get to know Hiltz’s amazing parents, who are role models to society today.

Who is Nikki Hiltz’s father?

Nikki’s father is Tom Hiltz, a former school educator from Aptos, California. From his Facebook profile, we come to know that he went to Morse Senior High School, after which he graduated as a philosophy student from Santa Clara University in 1997. In his professional life, he has been an Assistant Principal at the Pajaro Valley High School. He has also held the position of principal at the T. S. MacQuiddy Elementary School in Watsonille, California.

Nikki would no doubt say their parents are heroes to them who have made them feel so loved. But when your father regards you as his “superhero”, you know how deeply proud they are of you. During the complicated journey of openly talking about their gender, Hiltz’s parents always had their back. They declared that they do not have any problems regarding this. In fact, their father has pointed out the career progression of Hiltz while also praising the advocacy of the gender-related issues.

You can see Tom Hiltz regularly sharing Nikki’s achievements and happenings in life on Instagram. Being a father of two, he has shown love for both his children equally. And for Nikki Hiltz, that was so crucial. Like in his Instagram post on August 13, 2024, right after the Paris Olympics, Tom’s acknowledgment of the biggest path Nikki had to traverse shows how amazing a human being he is foremost: “What we all need to understand is that Nikki is a true hero beyond the track world as they represent so much to a significantly marginalized group who deserve so much better.”

Isn’t this exactly how you are supposed to be in life? Tom Hiltz has shown the world how to do it. “I am honored, blessed and the luckiest father in the world knowing what they are doing to support and represent those who have been searching for years for someone who is standing up tall in the world to fight for the love they deserve. Nikki is a hero and icon in so many ways and will continue to be.” And is he just proud? No, he also knows how strong-willed Nikki Hiltz is: “Watch out world this is only the beginning!”

Well, we are with the Paris Olympian for the ride. As is their mother.

Who is Nikki’s mother?

Nikki’s mother is Liz Hiltz, who has been one single rock in the life of the 7-time All-American. She has been in the stands, along with her husband and her daughter, Michaela, to cheer them on their track and field journey. Thanks to their love, the former Arkansas Razorback managed to win the Paris Olympics trials; it was a surreal moment for Nikki and the whole family. In the Olympian’s endeavors to give a voice to the transgender community, Liz Hiltz has thrown in her support for what Nikki is doing.

Whether it be the charity ‘pride-5k race’ or the ‘Protect Trans Kids’ slogan on her bib, Liz knows what Nikki is doing: “It gives life to their running. For them, it has to signify more than the sport alone.” Being able to feel her child’s cause, and maybe relate to what it means to be in Nikki’s shoes, was probably the reason the Olympian wanted their mother to present the 2024 Athlete Ally Action Award. An award that highlights her active role in advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation in sports, Nikki wanted the world to know their mother was the “first ally” she found when she started this journey. How so?

A special ritual that Hiltz’s mother follows involves sending her child inspirational quotes whenever Nikki prepares for a match. This practice began when Hiltz first competed for the University of Arkansas. These lines are to infuse all the goodwill and positivity the medium distance runner would need. Like this quote from June 2022 from his mother: “Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savoring the journey.” True to form, Liz sent her child an inspirational quote before the Paris Olympics 1500m semi-finals, where they finished 3rd.

The strong bond Nikki shares with their mother, Liz, has underpinned their success. And Liz, together with Tom, has helped the 29-year-old become an icon for the transgender community.

What is Nikki Hiltz’s parents’ nationality?

Nikki’s parents, Tom and Liz Hiltz, are American citizens, but it’s their parenting that makes them a special couple. Each piece of advice from Liz reinforced the values and perseverance that have sustained Nikki through both hardships and triumphs.

This familial support continues to shape their career and inspire others.