In an incredible display of athleticism and determination, transgender and nonbinary runner Nikki Hiltz has made history by qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team after winning the women's 1,500-meter race at the Olympics Trials in Eugene, Ore.

Competing at Hayward Field, Hiltz shattered the U.S. trials record set in 2021 by Elle St. Pierre, with a remarkable final time of 3:55.33. The 29-year-old athlete, who uses they/them pronouns, expressed their disbelief at their achievement and acknowledged the significance of their victory for the LGBTQ+ community.

"This is bigger than just me. It's the last day of Pride Month. I wanted to run this one for my community. All the LGBT folks, yeah, you guys brought me home that last hundred meters. I could just feel the love and support," Hiltz stated.

Hiltz, a seven-time All-American from San Diego, Calif., celebrated their triumph at the finish line with their girlfriend, fellow track and field runner Emma Gee. The couple shared an emotional embrace, capturing the pure joy and excitement of the moment. Gee, who was the first out LGBTQ+ student-athlete at Brigham Young University, took to Instagram to commend Hiltz on their extraordinary journey.

"So many years in the making...what an incredible journey & performance. You belong anywhere you decide to be," Gee wrote alongside photos of the couple after the race.

Hiltz, still basking in the glory of their victory, expressed their gratitude and overwhelming emotions on social media the following day. Sharing a collage of celebratory photos on Instagram, they wrote, "Woke up an Olympian. Yesterday afternoon in Eugene Oregon a childhood dream of mine came true. I'm not sure when this will fully sink in... All I know is today I'm waking up just so grateful for my people, overwhelmed by all the love and support, and filled with joy that I get to race people I deeply love and respect around a track for a living."

Prior to the final event, Hiltz had shown great promise, leading the qualifiers through the semifinal rounds with a time of 4:01.40. Last July at the 2023 U.S. Championship, they claimed victory in the 1,500-meter race with a time of 4:03.10, solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with on the track.

Hiltz's journey has not been without adversity, as they courageously came out about their sexuality at age 19 and later about their gender identity at age 26. Their achievements at the Olympic Trials stand as a testament to their unwavering determination and resilience.

As Nikki Hiltz prepares to represent the United States in Paris, the world eagerly anticipates witnessing their extraordinary talent and the inclusive spirit they bring to the Olympic stage.