“This is bigger than just me.” Remember when Nikki Hiltz qualified for the Paris Olympics this year? They shared an incredible anecdote and declared that their achievement was far more beyond the idea of self. The 29-year-old qualified for the Paris Games with a US trials record and the second fastest time of any American in the women’s 1500 meters to represent the United States as well as the LGBTQ community. But, how much do we know about the ace middle-distance runner?

Born on October 23, 1994, the American star is a celebrated figure in the arena of sports. Hiltz’s athletic journey began right when they were in school. They were a standout athlete, winning six California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Central Coast Section titles. And as they transitioned to the professional arena, the list of achievements only witnessed new additions. 

Professional Career Highlights

Hiltz has witnessed significant achievements ever since they turned pro in 2018. In the same year, the American star received a deal from Adidas, a significant achievement for a beginner. They had a successful first season in 2019, placing first at the USATF 1 Mile Road Championships and setting a new course record, taking third in the 1500 meter at the USATF Outdoor National Championships and qualifying for the IAAF World Track and Field Championships. Hiltz finished 12th in the world in October 2019

They continued their trajectory in 2024 at Glasgow as well. Hiltz bagged the silver medal at the World Indoor Championships in the 1500m which stands out as one of the biggest achievements in their career! Coming back to her beginning days, the star athlete wished to discover more about themselves as time progressed and finally revealed their true identity in 2021. 

Nikki Hiltz’s Gender Identity

Hiltiz did not shy away from expressing her true self. The American athlete came out as transgender and non-binary on March 31, 2021, during the International Transgender Day of Visibility. And in her own words, she is nothing but ‘fluid.’ 

Taking to Instagram, Hiltz shared a heartfelt post and revealed that they do not relate with the gender assigned to them at birth, any longer. “The best way I can explain my gender is as fluid. Sometimes I wake up feeling like a powerful queen and other days I wake up feeling as if I’m just a guy being a dude, and other times I identify outside of the gender binary entirely. It’s complicated and complex and something I’m still trying to navigate myself, but I’ve decided it’s time to share my gender fluidity with you all.” And the Paris Olympics is yet more special.

Hiltz shared that they will compete in the Olympics for their community. “All the LGBT folks, you guys brought me home that last hundred [meters]. I could just feel the love and support.” ”However, the 29-year-old has continued to compete in the women’s category in the track and field events. But, is there any difference when it comes to height and weight between Hiltz and other female athletes?

Height and Weight Comparison to Average Female 800m and 1500m Olympic Sprinters

The American ace athlete stands 5ft 4 inches tall and weighs 125 lbs. This is slighter shorter and lighter when compared to the average female athlete in the 800m and 1500m category at the Olympics.

For the unversed, the average height for female middle-distance runners in these events ranges typically between 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) to 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters). The weight varies between the range of 125 lbs (56.7 kg) and 135 lbs (61.2 kg). While Hiltz’s stature is well within the competitive range, it is somewhere on the shorter and lighter side compared to their co-athletes and peers. And this difference can sometimes be helpful for their speed too!

Speed Comparison to Average Female 800m and 1500m Olympic Sprinters

The middle-distance runner’s personal best in the 1500m is 3:55.33 which they achieved in the United States during the 2024 Olympic Trials. This speed tends to favor Hiltz strategically as well giving a competitive age over their peers.

This time range is highly remarkable and compares favorably to the average times of top female 1500m Olympic sprinters, which typically range from 3:53 to 4:05. Hence, Hiltz’s speed in the 1500m places them among the top competitors internationally.

As the star player looks forward to a dream glory in Paris, it would be interesting to see if the skills, amalgamated with the natural aspects, help them win big this Summer.