A transgender, non-binary, biological female has broken the United States’ 1,500-meter trials record ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris.
Nikki Hiltz, who goes by the pronouns ‘they/them’ smashed the existing record by two-and-a-half seconds with a time of 3.55.53. Hiltz broke the record of 3.58.03 set by Elle St. Pierre in 2021. Hiltz, third-place finisher St. Pierre and Emily Mackay will now travel to Paris when the games begin on Friday, July 26.
Bizarrely, this was presented as some sort of achievement for the trans community, when in reality, a woman was just competing against other women. While this is an improvement from biological men (also known as “men”) competing in women’s events, it’s odd to see this story framed as a sort of social justice victory.
“This is bigger than just me,” Hiltz told NBC. “It’s the last day of Pride Month, and I wanted to run this one for my community. All the LGBTQ folks, you guys brought me home that last 100. I could just feel the love and support.”
Hiltz’ performance has sparked controversy given 2023’s updated policies on transgender athletes by World Athletics. Nonbinary athletes – effectively those who don’t identify as a man or a woman – are permitted to compete in their respective category if they have not received hormone therapy.
Reaction on social media was diverse. Some commenters saw no issues with the record-breaking feat.
Other users were more critical of Hiltz’ participation, raising concerns over the protection of women’s sports.
Many, however, were confused by the situation.
It’s a predicament which certainly raises questions. World Athletics’ transgender ban should be crystal clear to protect women’s sport, and confusion over the governing rules can bring the sport into disrepute. That said, is a biological woman competing in a race for women really a threat to the sport, when they’re effectively playing pretend? Let us know your view in the comments below.
