Track star Nikki Hiltz identifies as transgender non-binary, using their/them pronouns, and they tried to make the transgender and LGBTQ community proud this week by winning the women’s 1500m championship for the third time in the 2023 USATF Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon this weekend.
Nikki Hiltz dedicated the victory to the LGBTQ and transgender community, and they knew before the race started that they had at least one fan in the stands.
“It was awesome,” Hiltz said after the race according to Fox News. “I think there’s so much hate right now, and specifically the bills being passed for trans youth. I feel like the LGBTQ community needed a win and there’s so many things that go through your mind in the race, and for whatever reason that was kind of in the back of my mind.
“I saw that trans flag right when I came out before the race even started and I [felt like] that person. I don’t know their pronouns or who they are, but they brought that flag and I bet they’re here for me.”
Hiltz also made a point to seek out the fan after claiming the victory, making it clear that they like to inspire the queer community as they compete.
“I saw them after the race and I gave them my bibs,” Hiltz said. “I did a whole victory lap holding my bib. I wanted to give it to that one person because they were the reason I won, or one of them. They pulled it out of me. So it was awesome.
“Track is a super niche sport and I don’t even know that many trans or queer people watch. So the ones that do, that’s who I do it for.”
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