Professional runner Nikki Hiltz competed at the 2019 world championships and has a good chance of making the US Olympic team in 2021, a career trajectory she says was made possible when she opened up about her sexuality. "When I decided to be who I am, a weight was lifted. I don't think my breakthrough season was coincidental," she told Women's Running, referring to her senior season at the University of Arkansas, when she placed second in the 1500 meters at the NCAA outdoor championships. "I was holding back this part of me, hiding it and burying it. When you're happy and holistic off the track, it's going to translate on the track. That was that."
She's since made her platform an authentic and positive one, though she's not afraid to tell off trolls in the comment section. "I responded to a lot of them with funny comments because it made me feel better, but also to educate," Hiltz said. "Part of me didn't want to give these people an ounce of my energy, but it also open floodgates for positive messages."
Image Source: Getty / JEWEL SAMAD / Contributor