Trans-non-binary athlete Nikki Hiltz reflects on Olympic 2024 selection as ‘a childhood dream of mine’ comes true

Transgender non-binary athlete Nikki Hiltz’s participation in the Paris Olympics raises questions, as Riley Gaines comments on the current women’s team eligibility criteria.

Trans-non-binary athlete Nikki Hiltz reflects on Olympic 2024 selection as ‘a childhood dream of mine’ comes true

Nikki Hiltz [Image Credit: Imago]

Transgender non-binary athlete Nikki Hiltz was chosen to represent women’s Team USA in track and field after an amazing performance at the trials. Hiltz’s performance on Sunday secured the spot following the women’s 1,500-meter race.

Hiltz set a new record after breaking Elle St. Pierre’s 2021 mark by 3 minutes, 55.53 seconds. Furthermore, they also won the 1,500-meter dash last year at the U.S. Championships. This will be the 29-year-old’s first trip to the Olympics, after winning a silver medal at the Indoor World Championship earlier in the year.

YouTube video

In an Instagram post, Hiltz commented how it is their “a childhood dream of mine” that came true. They thanked the support of the LGBTQ community and the fans for the final 100m dash that secured her Paris spot.

FS Video
I told myself, I’m not going to think about all the love and support (I have) until 100 meters to go’. And then, at that moment, you can let it all fill you up and push you to the finish line.’ That’s exactly what I did, and I think that’s what brought me home.
Nikki Hiltz as per Cindy Kuzma of RunnersWorld.

Later in an interview with NBC Sports, Hiltz commented how much it meant for her to win the Olympic spot as it was also her trials that happened on the last day of the Pride month. They stated, “I could just feel the love and support” and looked forward to setting their foot on the Paris tracks.

Riley Gaines on trans athlete participation in Olympics 2024

Following Nikki Hiltz’s participation in the Paris Olympics, Riley Gaines took to social media to express her thoughts on the matter. She wondered why “she didn’t try out for the men’s team” and if it was because they understand they can’t win against men at the same level.

Riley Gaines
Riley Gaines (Image via Imago)

Gaines commented that it’s great to know that Hiltz earned a spot on the women’s team but just wanted to point out the “hypocrisy and double standard.” She noted,

I wonder why she didn’t try out for the men’s team. It’s almost as if she understands she would never be able to compete or succeed at same level against men…The women’s category has become a catch all.
Riley Gaines on X.

Gaines who has been an ardent supporter of women’s rights in women’s sports has never shied away for expressing her opinion on sensitive topics as such. She also made another post stating how she was vying for a spot in the Olympics 8 years ago and now she’s fighting to make sure “men don’t steal these same opportunities from girls like my younger sister.”

In case you missed: