Nikki Hiltz likes to make friends, and she has openly expressed the same. While the 29-year-old is having the time of her life, she is not missing out on stringing valuable bonds of friendship with her peers, including Maia Ramsden. The mid-distance runner openly came out as gay and nonbinary in 2021 and has had several instances of triumphs in track and field. Starting early on, Hiltz clinched the 2012 CIF California State Championship in 1600 m. 

Hiltz also made the NCAA Division I All-American team on six occasions. However, even in the era of cut-throat competition, Hiltz did not forget the essence of friendship. The ongoing World Indoor Championships bore witness to such a bond between Hiltz and Ramsden. 

Nikki Hiltz shares a heartfelt moment with rival Maia Ramsden

Nikki Hiltz has just taken a step forward towards the Olympic dreams. In the recently held Indoor Championships, the 29-year-old put on an impeccable performance to advance into the finals of the 1500m event. While posting about the same, Hiltz took a moment to reflect on the bonds that are formed outside of the tracks. Hiltz captioned the post, “Is it about advancing? Or the friends we make along the way? I think a little bit of both. See y’all in the final Sunday night.”  

She also posted moments from the heat showcasing the friendly bond shared between Hiltz and Ramsden. In one of the pictures, the duo could be seen standing next to each other and sharing a fist bump. In another shot, Hiltz was spotted hugging Ramsden and Bell in a heartwarming moment. As for the results, there was no upset as Hiltz was the firm favorite going into the race. 

For the uninitiated, Nikki Hiltz is the reigning 1500m champion outdoors and indoors for the US. However, Hiltz decided to push even further this time and established a personal best. In the heats, Hiltz clocked an impressive 4:04:34. When asked about the same, Hiltz responded by saying that the record was definitely playing in the back of the mind. 

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Hiltz deliberately switches to “another gear” to mark PR

Reflecting on her performance in the heat, Hiltz said that it was a deliberate move. Hiltz stated, “That last 50 I was, like, should I do it?  Should I not?” Elaborating further, Hiltz continued, “Winning is like a habit.  I knew I had another gear, so like why not?  I didn’t even know we were going that fast.” Coming short by just five seconds, the second place was clinched by Georgia Bell from Britain. 

Read More: USATF Indoor Championship: First Non-Binary Athlete Takes Home Gold

One of Hiltz’s dearest friends, Maia Ramsden followed suit at the third position. Setting a national record, the New Zealander clocked 4:06:51. However, Ramsden did not sound disappointed and reflected that she was indeed content with a third-place finish. Now, the two friends will once again lock horns this Sunday with eyes set high on their glorious triumphs. 

Continue to Read: USATF Indoor Championship: First Non-Binary Athlete To Win 1500m Opens Up: “Everyone Gets Nervous”