When the NBC Sports commentators previewed the women’s 1500 race at the U.S. National Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore., they focused on three runners: Sinclaire Johnson, the defending champion, Athing Mu, gold medalist in the 800 at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and Cory McGee, third fastest in the U.S. in the mile. All three are taller than Nikki Hiltz, the Aptos High alum who got a brief mention — “at the far right on your screen.”
Then Hiltz, wearing light green running shorts, surprised them all with an epic finish, pulling ahead of the leaders, Mu and McGee, at 3:59 with a powerful kick.
Her time was 4:03.10 and she will represent the U.S. at the World Championship in Budapest Aug. 19-27.
Hiltz won the 2012 CIF California State Championship in the 1600 meters with a time of 4:51.89.
As a collegian, Hiltz ran at Oregon, then Arkansas, becoming a 6-time NCAA Division I All-American and earning a degree in sociology and criminal justice in 2019.
Hiltz is openly gay and came out as transgender and nonbinary on International Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31, 2021—prompting banners of support in Oregon.
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To watch the race, see www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oJDy9BNGQ0
Sinclaire Johnson’s disappointment is visible as the final results are displayed after the race.
Photos by Nick’s father, Tom
Top Photo: Nickki Hiltz with her parents