Nikki Hiltz is a professional American middle-distance runner, notable for being the first openly non-binary athlete to win a USA Track & Field national title. They were born on October 23, 1994, and grew up in Aptos, California. Nikki has had a successful career in track and field, competing in events like the 1500m and the mile.
Hiltz's career highlights include becoming the first openly non-binary athlete to win a USA Track & Field national title, achieved in the women's 1500m at the Indoor Championships. They went on to become a professional athlete, signing with Adidas in 2018 after notable achievements like gold at the Pan Am Games and strong performances at national championships.
Nikki Hiltz Nationality
Nikki Hiltz is American. They were born and raised in the United States. Their parents are Tom Hiltz and Liz Hiltz. In 2021, on International Transgender Day of Visibility, Hiltz publicly came out as transgender non-binary. They have been actively involved in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, founding the Pride 5K event which has raised significant funds for organizations like The Trevor Project. Despite facing challenges and backlash, Nikki has won titles such as the USATF Indoor Championships in the 1500m and holds the American record in mile events.
Nikki Hiltz Hometown
Nikki Hiltz's hometown and birthplace is Aptos, California, USA. They attended Aptos High School, competing in both track and cross country during her high school career. In track, she showcased her prowess by winning the 1,600 meters at the 2012 California state meet with a stellar time of 4:42.45, which ranked among the top performances by U.S. juniors that year. Despite facing injury challenges in her senior year, Nikki demonstrated resilience by securing second place in the 1,500 meters and third place in the 800 meters at the 2013 state championships.
They started their collegiate career at Oregon, where they competed in track and field, achieving success including an 8th place finish in the mile at the 2015 NCAA Indoor Championships. After transferring to Arkansas in 2015, Hiltz continued to excel, earning multiple NCAA All-American honors, including a 3rd place in the mile at the 2018 NCAA Indoor Championships and First Team All-America in the 1500m outdoors in the same year.
FAQs
Nikki Hiltz turned professional in 2018.
Nikki Hiltz is currently coached by Mike Smith (since 2022).
Yes, Nikki Hiltz set the American record in the mile with a time of 4:16.35 in Monaco in 2023.
Nikki Hiltz specializes in the 1500 meters and the mile.
Yes, Nikki Hiltz is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in sports.