A transgender pride flag appeared in the stands of Hayward Stadium in Eugene, Ore., just as the middle distance runner Nikki Hiltz stepped onto the track.
The pink, blue and white flag was held overhead, then waved as Hiltz, who identifies as transgender and nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, made their way to the far side of the track for the 1,500-meter final of the U.S. National Championships in July.
“It was a statement,” Hiltz said.
“It reminded me that this is bigger than just me.”After 4 minutes 3.10 seconds, Hiltz broke the tape with an explosive final kick to overpower a stacked field that included Athing Mu, the 800 gold medalist at the Tokyo Games; Cory McGee and Heather MacLean, Olympic 1,500 runners; and Sinclaire Johnson, the 2022 national champion in the event.
Hiltz had gotten to this point, they said, partially because of the community around them that cheers not because of their fast times but because of what and who they stand for, starting with themselves.
Persons:
Nikki Hiltz, ” Hiltz, Hiltz, Athing Mu, Cory McGee, Heather MacLean, Sinclaire Johnson
Organizations:
Hayward, U.S, National, Tokyo
Locations:
Eugene ,, “, Olympic