The middle-distance runner is spreading a positive message of love to LGBTQIA fans everywhere
BY ELIZABETH HOPWOOD , IMAGE VIA INSTAGRAM (@NIKKIHILTZ)
Team USA middle-distance runner Nikki Hiltz advanced to the women’s 1500m semi-finals at the Paris Olympics after securing third place in their qualifying heat on Tuesday.
After the strategic and intense race in the Stade de France, Hiltz took to Instagram to share their achievement, as well as share a message to the LGBTQIA community.
They wrote: “There’s a lot of ignorance and hate out there right now. For those who identify as non-binary or trans and are doing cool things in the world (which is most likely all of you because all queer people are cool AF) remember you are magic and that it’s not the critic who counts. I love you. I need you. I see you. Keep going.”
“And for everyone else remember it costs $0 to be kind to those with different lived experiences than you.”
Hiltz is a strong advocate for LGBTQIA rights, often taking to social media to share their thoughts and messages.
Their journey to the Olympics has been marked by significant achievements, including winning the US indoor and outdoor titles in the 1500m and setting a Trials record with a personal-best time of 3:55.33.
Hiltz is not the only nonbinary athlete who has been smashing it in Paris. Representing Canada in soccer is Quinn, who made history in Tokyo as the first openly non-binary Olympian.
Unfortunately, Canada has gone home without a medal after the Germans outscored them on penalty kicks. The team were also deducted six points after a drone-spying scandal. This doesn’t take away from Quinn’s success in their career, after winning gold in Tokyo.
The number of out LGBTQIA Olympians reached a record of 193 athletes at these games, making it the queerest Olympics yet.
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