Nikki Hiltz

Nikki Hiltz is an American middle-distance runner specializing in the 1500 meters and mile. Hiltz holds the American outdoor record in the mile and as of 2025, has won eight consecutive US titles across the indoor and outdoor 1500-meter and mile events. They have consistently excelled on the global stage, earning a silver medal at the 2024 World Indoor Championships and a bronze at the 2026 World Indoor Championships.

They came out as transgender and nonbinary on International Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31, 2021. Hiltz made history at the 2024 Paris Games as the first openly nonbinary runner to reach an Olympic individual event final, where they finished seventh in the women's 1500 m. They are currently the second-fastest American of all-time in the women’s 1500 meter and mile events.

Beyond their athletic achievements, they were named one of TIME magazine's Most Influential People in Sports in 2026 for their tireless advocacy, which includes organizing the annual virtual Pride 5K to raise funds for LGBTQ+ youth. Based and training in Flagstaff, Arizona, Hiltz announced a major personal milestone by getting engaged to fellow professional runner Emma Gee in May 2026.