Trailblazing middle-distance runner Nikki Hiltz, a proud trans nonbinary athlete, has responded to online backlash following their heartfelt post about undergoing top surgery.

In August, Hiltz shared their experience on Instagram, revealing they had undergone gender-affirming top surgery in September 2024. The post was a celebration of self-love, with Hiltz expressing how the procedure helped them feel more at home in their body. “I love my new chest and that’s all that matters,” they wrote, radiating joy and empowerment.

However, the post drew criticism from some corners of the internet. Rather than retreat, Hiltz met the negativity head-on with a powerful and poetic response. They posted a video reel featuring screenshots of hateful comments, set to Taylor Swift’s Actually Romantic, with the caption: “It’s actually romantic ❤️.”

Hiltz, who placed seventh in the 1500m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and fifth at the Athletics World Championships in Tokyo, has long been a beacon for LGBTQ+ visibility in sport. Since coming out as nonbinary in 2021, they’ve used their platform to advocate for inclusion, representation, and the right to live authentically.

Speaking on a recent podcast, Hiltz reflected on the past year - a time marked by personal growth, a coaching change, and the challenges of navigating elite sport as a trans athlete. “Even though they were really good changes, and I’d do them all over again, it’s just hard,” they shared, highlighting the emotional complexity of transformation.

In a time when trans rights and access to gender-affirming care are under increasing attack, Hiltz’s openness is a powerful act of resistance. “No matter what they do to our community, I’m going to keep on showing up and keep on shining,” they wrote.

Share this post

Written by

Graham Robson
Graham Robson

Comments