"Like a rock skipping on water" -Trans Athlete Nikki Hiltz reflects on valuable advice received from Paris Paralympics gold medalist Hunter Woodhall

Following Hunter Woodhall's victory at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Nikki Hiltz reflected on the valuable advice they received from the Paralympic athlete. Hiltz opened their 2024 Olympic outdoor season with a 400m in April.

The three-time men's 400m Paralympic medalist Woodhall advised Hiltz to accelerate smoothly for 30-50m and then run tall and effortlessly for the next 200m, gradually building up the speed for the last 150m while staying strong and relaxed.

Woodhall clocked a stunning 46.36 seconds in the men's 400m T62 event in Paris after surpassing Johannes Floors and Olivier Hendriks, who posted 46.90 and 46.91 seconds, respectively.

Reflecting the 25-year-old's graceful medal-winning race, Hiltz recalled the precious advice they received from the gold medalist, stating the paralympic athlete ran the race “Like a rock skipping on water,” a metaphor he previously used to guide the trans athlete.

"I can’t stop thinking about how perfect @hunterwoodhall ran that race," Hiltz wrote. "Back in April I opened up my outdoor season with a 400m and asked Hunter for some advice on the best way to run one lap."

Hiltz added:

“Like a rock skipping on water” you’re THE PARALYMPIC CHAMPION my friend

After finishing in third place in the women's 1500m heats and semifinal at the French capital, Hiltz settled in seventh place in the final with 3:56.38.

"By far it was my favorite experience" - Hunter Woodhall reflects on his third Olympic appearance at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games

Hunter Woodhall of Team USA celebrates after winning the Bronze Medal in the 4x100m Universal Relay at the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at Stade de France in Paris, France. (Photo by Getty Images)

Apart from the gold medal in the men's 400m, Hunter Woodhall also secured a bronze medal in the mixed relay event alongside Noah Malone, Taylor Swanson, and Tatyana McFadden. The American squad registered 47.32 seconds to follow the Chinese and British squads with 45.07 and 46.01 seconds.

Woodhall made his third appearance at the Games, having previously competed at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Games. In an interview with the International Paralympic Committee, he described the French edition as his favorite.

“This is my third Paralympic Games and by far it was my favorite experience,” Hunter Woodhall said. “It was so unbelievable, the crowds were incredible. The energy was incredible. And it was just magic in Paris this last month. It was something I’ll never forget.”

At the Rio Games, Hunter Wodhall secured silver and bronze medals in the 200m and 400m T44 races, respectively. Four years later at the Tokyo edition, he collected a bronze medal in the 400m T62.