Professional runner Nikki Hiltz competed at the 2019 world championships and has a good chance of making the US Olympic team in 2021, a career trajectory they say was made possible by opening up about their sexuality. "When I decided to be who I am, a weight was lifted. I don't think my breakthrough season was coincidental," Hiltz told Women's Running, referring to their senior season at the University of Arkansas, when they placed second in the 1500 meters at the NCAA outdoor championships. "I was holding back this part of me, hiding it and burying it. When you're happy and holistic off the track, it's going to translate on the track. That was that."
Hiltz has since made their platform an authentic and positive one, though they're not afraid to tell off trolls in the comments section. "I responded to a lot of them with funny comments because it made me feel better, but also to educate," Hiltz said. "Part of me didn't want to give these people an ounce of my energy, but it also open floodgates for positive messages."
