Running on Love: The Nikki Hiltz & Emma Gee Story

Emma and Nikki Embracing Each Other (@emma_gee1777/ Instagram)

This trailblazing duo has opened the sport of track to embracing inclusivity. Each of these powerful partners has presented the world with unparalleled running and social justice advancements. 

Nikki Hiltz

1500m Victory for Nikki (@tracktownusa/ Instagram)

Nikki Hiltz is a thirty, flirty, and thriving, well maybe only flirty with their partner Emma, track phenomenon. Coming from Apotos, California, their career highlights started in high school when they won the 1600m title in 2012. This seven-time All-American was originally an Oregon Duck but then transferred to be an Arkansas Razorback. In 2018, they started their professional career with Adidas, but years later, they signed with Lululemon. While Nikki was not their first track athlete for the brand, they were the first transgender and nonbinary athlete to be sponsored by the company.

The Host of the Annual Pride 5k (@nikkihiltz/ Instagram)

An important day for Nikki was March 31st, 2021, also recognized and known as International Transgender Day of Visibility. This is when they decided to share with the world their true identity as transgender and nonbinary and announced that they would start using they/them pronouns. They have continued to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ and, in 2020, raised over $172,000 for the Trevor Project in their annual Pride 5k. 

Catching up to the present, Nikki is still making Olympic strides. At the Millrose games, they proved they were a force to be reckoned with, posting a mark of 4:23.50 in the mile and taking third at this historical meet. People love to watch them race, not just because of what they are doing socially and politically but because their kick is incredible. The way Nikki runs is smooth and powerful, and they have everyone clinging to the edge of their seats when the bell lap is rung.

Emma Gee

Emma Standing Powerfully Before the Gun Goes Off (@emma_gee1777/ Instagram)

Broomfield, Colorado, sweeps us off the floor with its native Emma Gee. Not only is she a local legend—having been inducted into Colorado’s Running Hall of Fame in 2013—but she also continues to impress us with her post-collegiate races. Before we share her recent performances, let’s take a moment to reflect on her collegiate career. Emma began her journey at Brigham Young University, where she specialized in the 3,000 meters and the steeplechase. She competed at top-level meets, including the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds. Later, she transferred to Temple University in Philadelphia to pursue a more supportive environment for her athletics. There, she continued to excel, qualifying for the NCAA Championships and finishing the steeplechase with a time of 9:56.19, placing her 17th overall.

Overcoming Barriers (literally)! (@emma_gee1777/ Instagram)

What makes Emma’s story so unique, though? She was the first athlete who was openly LGBTQ+ at Brigham Young University. Bravely sharing her true self in 2019, she opened the doors for others to share their true light and advocated for the challenges she and others faced at the institution.

Now, let's get up to speed with what Emma is currently doing in the world of running. She set a new personal best of 9:04.67 in Seattle this past weekend, and a few weeks ago in Boston, she ran a 4:39 mile, matching her previous altitude-adjusted personal best. Emma is a consistent and strong runner and, despite dating an Olympian, does not let her partner outshine her.

Together

Nikki and Emma are on the track to forever. Connecting via Instagram DM, the couple's relationship bloomed. A year later, they were rescuing a German shepherd and moving to Flagstaff together. Celebrating each other's wins, they are the ultimate running mates. Emma sets boundaries with reporters and announcers, letting them know their partners' correct pronouns. Nikki sends encouraging messages through their Instagram about what it is like and how to gather the courage to run with these harassing haters on both their tails. As they break the tape together, opening up beyond their personal milestones, they have created an atmosphere of acceptance and support beyond just track but in other sports as well.