ProfessionalrunnerNikki Hiltz is a force on the track.
And now the 27-year-olds platform is getting even bigger.
Im just so excited and happy and relieved, Hiltz tells SELF.
Lululemon
The top three finishers in each event at the USAs will qualify for the World Championships in July.
SELF: What does this partnership with Lululemon mean for you and your running career?
I feel like I have nothing to lose now when Im on the track.
And that pressure is not there anymore.
Its more about a holistic approach, and Lululemon really sees their athletes as people, not just athletes.
And that really helps me on the track as well.
Its definitely my favorite month of the year.
It was five full months, basically from January to May.
I want to be here, showing up as myself, continuing to educate people in the sport.
How is your partnership with Lululemon important for building trans visibility in sport?
For me, representation is huge.
Lululemon using their platform to showcase me as a trans athlete will only help.
How do you see the future of representation in sport?
You just see more and more representation at all levels.
Whats it been like for you since coming out as trans a year ago?
Its definitely been a transformative year.
There are ups and downs.
I feel so seen, and I feel so affirmed when people use my correct pronouns.
I just feel freer.
I also feel scared at times, and I feel not safe in spaces.
What do you think of the current climate for trans athletes in sport?
I think theres a lot of fear right now.
I hate that its being reframed as were protecting womens sports.
If you were really caring about womens sports, youd be focusing onequal pay.
I think its really sad that [protecting womens sports] is a narrative thats being told.
Fear can be a really powerful thing.
People are really afraid of trans people for whatever reason.
And it is really sad.
I would love it if we could just get people to realize that this is just about kids.
Gatekeeping that from anyone is not the answer.
Does running for a bigger purpose motivate you as an athlete?
I think its definitely something that I really leaned into.
I definitely have been able to tap into my advocacy to get those things.
Its really powerful when it’s possible for you to tap into those things when youre on the track.
Ive leaned into it, like this is my superpower when Im competing.
I have this entire community behind me.
Hows your training going?
How are you feeling heading into this weekends races?
I moved to Flagstaff in March, so its been a solid three months of training.
Living at 7,000 feet definitely helps with strength as well.
What are your goals for the USATF Championships this week?
I definitely want to be top three on Saturday.
I dont care about time anymore, its irrelevant now.
Its just about beating people and thats always really exciting.
Ive always been more of a racer than a time trialist.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
