Michael Johnson reacts to Nikki Hiltz's maiden first-class flight as 29-year-old travels to Grand Slam Track Racers Summit

Nikki Hiltz shared a glimpse of her first flight journey in first class, en route to the Grand Prix Track Racers Summit. In response to her update, the host of Grand Prix Track, Michael Johnson, asked her to get used to such treatment in the days to come.

Hiltz competed in the 1500m at the 2024 US Olympic trials, winning the finals in 3:55.33 and advancing to their debut Olympic edition in Paris. At the Games, they finished third in both the prelims and semifinal races and seventh in the 1500m finals, clocking 3:56.38. Early this year, Hiltz also added the US indoor 1500m title to her repertoire for the second consecutive time, having run in 4:08.35.

After her Olympic success, Hiltz joined the likes of Olympians and World medalists on the Grand Slam track roster. The newest track league introduced by former track and field legend, Michael Johnson, will take off in 2025. Ahead of the commencement, Hitlz and her fellow Racers took off to attend the Grand Slam Track Racers Summit.

Taking to her Instagram post, the 29-year-old was seen comfortably seated in first class but hilariously showing displeasure when their girlfriend captured them in the video.

"The Grand Slam Track racers in first class as you board the plane be like"

She further expressed excitement to have traveled in first class for the first time.

"Literally my first time ever flying first class. On my way to the @grandslamtrack Racers Summit!"

In response, the Grand Slam track host, Michael Johnson, asked the 1500m specialist to get used to such treatment as a Racer.

"Get used to it Grand Slam Racer!!!!"

Michael Johnson commented on Nikki Hiltz's post; Instagram - @nikkihiltz

Hiltz competed in the 1500m at the 2024 World Indoor Championships, winning silver in a time of 4:02.32.

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Nikki Hiltz shared that signing with the Grand Slam track was the easiest decision of their life

Nikki Hiltz after winning silver in the 1500m finals at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024; (Source: Getty)

On October 16, 2024, Grand Slam Track announced Nikki Hiltz as one of its Racers. After the news update, the 29-year-old took to Instagram to express elation over being named alongside athletic greats.

"easiest decision of my life. So stoked to be part of @grandslamtrack!" their story caption read.

Nikki Hiltz excited after being named as a Racer at Grand Slam Track league; Instagram - @nikkihiltz

The Olympian received the Athlete Ally 2024 Action Awards on October 17, 2024. They attended the event with their mother, Liz Hiltz, and expressed gratitude for her unending support in their journey. In support of the queer community, she said:

"I am excited to watch Nikki’s journey as they continue to advocate for the queer community. and it gives me great comfort to know that because of organizations like @athleteally they won’t be fighting alone." (via Hiltz's Instagram post)

Hiltz gained worldwide fame as the first openly non-binary or transgender track and field athlete to compete in an individual Olympic final.