How Can We Be Better Track & Field Fans? with Nikki Hiltz

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness

Today on Getting Curious, we’ve got THE Olympic runner to watch - Nikki Hiltz! This episode is coming to you on the eve of their race at the Women’s 1500m semifinals, but JVN caught up with Nikki in the salon chair for a podium worthy haircut just before Nikki left for gay Paris! We're talking track & field 101, how Nikki shows up as their authentic self in every race, and what exactly IS a steeplechase?

Nikki Hiltz is a nonbinary professional track and field athlete and is the first openly nonbinary runner to win a USA Track and Field championship title. The middle-distance specialist is an Olympian, 6 time National Champion, World Indoor Silver Medalist, Pan American Games gold medalist and American Record Holder in the mile. Nikki is also a vocal advocate for equal rights, particularly passionate about making the sport of running more inclusive and fundraising for services that support the young LGBTQIA+ community. In 2020, they founded the Pride 5K, a race which supports LGBTQIA+ nonprofits. Hiltz’s annual event has raised over $162,000 and they are currently planning the fifth iteration of the event in 2024.

You can follow Nikki on Instagram @nikkihiltz or on TikTok @Nikki_Hiltz.

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