PARIS, France — Former University of Oregon runner Nikki Hiltz competed in the women's 1,500-meter semifinal race on Thursday, advancing to the finals.
Hiltz, who uses they/them pronouns, came out as transgender and nonbinary in 2021 and is one of few nonbinary athletes to compete at the Olympic Games.
They qualified for the finals with a time of 3:56.17, finishing in third place in her heat.
Hiltz only spent one season with the Ducks back in 2016 before transferring to the University of Arkansas where they finished out their collegiate career.
After they came out in 2021, Hiltz has been an advocate of the LGBTQ+ community, raising money for various charities and organizations aimed at supporting the LGBTQ+ community. At most of Hiltz races, pride flags can be seen waiving in the wind.
Hiltz's number one competition for gold will be the fastest 1,500 meter runner in the world, Faith Kipyegon. Kipyegon owns the Olympic record that she set in 2021, and the world record which she set just over two months ago.
Two other former University of Oregon runners advanced to the women's 1,500-meter final: Klaudia Kazimierska, representing Poland, and Jessica Hull representing, Australia also advanced.
The final race will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 11:15 a.m.