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 we caught up with Nikki just before they left for gay Paris! In fact, JVN got Nikki in the salon chair for a haircut fit for the podium where they get into 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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