'Non-binary' trans runner Nikki Hiltz stirs outrage for backing men competing as women in Boston Marathon

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Non-binary transgender Olympian Nikki Hiltz has thrown full support behind the Boston Marathon’s controversial decision to let trans-identifying males compete in the women’s division.

Hiltz’s comments came in response to a female runner who voiced concerns about the policy on social media.

In a pointed Instagram video, Hiltz not only defended the inclusion but also took aim at the critic, throwing full support behind transgender athletes, as per OutKick.

Nikki Hiltz responds to criticism over trans inclusion in Boston Marathon

In a recently shared video, non-binary transgender runner Nikki Hiltz addressed a female participant’s concerns about biological males competing in the women’s field at the Boston Marathon.

Responding directly, Hiltz questioned the legitimacy of the outrage: “Are you gonna win the woman's division or take prize money? I don't think so. So I don't understand what you're upset about? Like, are you mad because instead of 900 you're gonna take 901st, because a trans woman maybe beats you?”

Hiltz, who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics and identifies as a biological female, continued: “This person forgot what the point of a marathon is. It's to complete 26.2 miles and maybe make some friends along the way. Trans women are not stopping you from doing that.”

Identifying as “non-binary transgender” and using they/them pronouns, Hiltz once explained their gender identity as fluid: “Sometimes I wake up feeling like a powerful queen and other days I wake up feeling as if I’m just a guy being a dude, and other times I identify outside of the gender binary entirely,” they wrote on Instagram.

While Hiltz does not identify as a woman, they currently hold the American women’s mile record with a time of 4:16.35. For comparison, the US men's record — held by Yared Nuguse — is significantly faster at 3:43.97.

Nikki Hiltz's video defending men participating in women's field sparks fury online

Within just a day of Nikki Hiltz sharing the video on Instagram and X, it racked up over 61,000 likes and sparked a flood of angry comments.

One user slammed, "Seek help. A man who thinks he's a woman isn't a woman, he's a man with a mental disorder. That same man competing against women isn't a hero or a winner, he's just too weak to compete against his own piers. Stop the madness."

Another shared, "This is indefensible. You have your own category. You dont want to run against other men because you would lose. You want to beat women."

One person questioned, "Why do you hate biological women ?"

An X user shared, "Hey dude..... You can't compete against other men because you're a man who can't cut it in the face of your competion... So you decide to pick on the opposite sex by trespassing on their turf and interfere with their sport... So sad."

One person commented, "Nikki Hiltz is so full of s**t."

A user tweeted, "Dissing another woman because she is standing up for a pure woman’s  running division is very hypocritical of you Nikki. You would not be where you are if men competed in your races. No other woman should have to contend with males in theirs!"

A social media user said, "You’re a dude and you’re a cheater."

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