Nikki Hiltz, an American transgender middle-distance runner, qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the women’s 1,500m final, breaking the record of 3:55.53. The record was previously held by Elle St. Pierre, who ran 3:58.03 at the 2021 track and field trials.
Hiltz reflected on the feat in an Instagram post, writing in part: “Yesterday afternoon in Eugene, Oregon, one of my childhood dreams came true. I don’t know when I’ll fully realize it… All I know is that today I wake up so grateful for my people, overwhelmed by all the love and support, and filled with joy that I get to race on a track with people I deeply love and respect for a living.”
Hiltz had already won a silver medal in the 1,500m at the World Indoor Championships in March, and she will now be competing in her first Olympic Games. She will be joined by Emily Mackay, who finished second in 3:55.90, and St. Pierre, who finished third in 3:55.99.
“This is bigger than me,” Hiltz told NBC. “It’s the last day of Pride Month, and I wanted to do this for my community. All the LGBTQ people, you brought me home these last 100. I could feel the love and the support.”
“Going with those two, I mean, Elle St. Pierre elevated women’s distance running. I saw the time, and I didn’t think it was possible. We all had to elevate ourselves because of her. This is an awesome, awesome team that we’re sending to Paris.”
At the Olympics, the women’s 1,500m event will begin on August 6 at 4:05 a.m. ET.
News Source : www.cbssports.com
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