Episode 41. Nikki Hiltz - Be True to Your Voice & Lift up Others.

On this episode of the Voice in Sport Podcast we welcomed Nikki Hiltz! Nikki is a 6 time NCAA All American and Professional runner for Adidas. Nikki has had quite the first few seasons as a pro, winning and PR’ ing left and right. But even more importantly than Nikki’s accolades on the track, is that she is helping others become their authentic selves by sharing her coming out story. Once Nikki was true to herself, her success in sport accelerated and she says it’s no coincidence. Today we discussed her journey in sport; coming out to friends, family, and teammates; how to have conversations with people in her life who weren’t very supportive at first; the ins and outs of transferring schools; her advice for staying grounded as a pro runner; and what it felt like to drape the Pride Flag across her shoulder after her win at Adidas Boost Games. Nikki is using her platform to drive change, speaking up for queer athletes and other underrepresented communities such at the Black community and the Transgender community. Although Nikki spends so much of her time helping others, she also touches on the importance of helping oneself, mental health, and the power of sharing emotions and talking with others. Nikki believes that sports have the ability to drive change, and it starts with being open minded.

“Once I was open and honest, my times took off and my running really took off and that's not a coincidence at all.” - Nikki Hiltz