Nikki Hiltz makes history by winning U.S. 1,500-meter title

Photo by Howard Lao

By Maddie Lang 

After an all-out sprint in the final 100 meters of a physical 1,500-meter race on Saturday at the 2023 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships, Nikki Hiltz became the first non-binary athlete to win an outdoor championship. They finished in a time of 4:03.10, qualifying them for their first world championship.

“I feel like I really thought it could happen one day, and it all came together today,” Hiltz said.

Right behind Hiltz was 800-meter Olympic gold medalist Athing Mu, who was running her first 1,500-meter championship race, in a time of 4:03.44. Third place and the other automatic spot on the US team for the World Athletics Championships went to Cory McGee, who finished in 4:03.48.

The physicality began in the first 100 meters. Running shoulder-to-shoulder with their competition, Hiltz almost lost their shoe from being stepped on.

“I just took one hard step, and it went back on,” they said. 

Laurie Barton took the lead with Mu right behind her. 

“I wanted to make sure that I put myself in a position where I knew I had something at the end and I wasn’t leaving it to everyone else,” Mu said.

Hiltz and McGee, who competed at the Tokyo Olympics, rode the shoulder of Mu. The three bumped and clawed their way to the final lap.

“That race was the most physical race I’ve been in in a while,” McGee said. “I thought my big toe nail got ripped off, and it hurt quite a bit.”

The real excitement came in the final 400 meters. Hiltz wasn’t about to hand the 1,500-meter title over without a fight and moved to McGee’s and Mu’s shoulders.

“I always like to make a move at 500, and I think I got in a really good spot at the bell lap,” Hiltz said.

Coming around the 200-meter curve, with a face of determination, Hiltz initiated their final kick. The final 100 meters became a neck-and-neck final sprint among Hiltz, McGee and Mu. 

Everyone in the stands rose to their feet while the trio battled it out. With 50 meters left, Hiltz had won the challenge and came across the finish line first. Mu was just .34 behind. And McGee was just .04 behind Mu.

All three qualified for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on August 19-27.

For Hiltz, this race means more than just a spot at the world championships. In February, they became the first non-binary athlete to win an indoor national championship, and now they became the first to win an outdoor championship.

“You just want to see me cry,” Hiltz said with a smile when asked about a fan who was holding the transgender flag in the stands after their race. “It was awesome.”

While Hiltz and McGee are committed to running the 1,500 at worlds, Mu has a decision to make about competing in this event. Since she is the reigning world champion, she has a bye in the 800 meters.

“I won’t say that it’s not likely, but I also won’t say that there’s a guarantee that I’ll do it,” Mu said.. “800 is a go for sure.”