Nikki Hiltz achieved a career milestone Sunday by winning the prestigious Wanamaker Mile at the 118th Millrose Games held New York's Nike Track & Field Center.
Hiltz, 31, crossed the finish line with a world-leading and personal-best time of 4:19:64. The California native and world No. 4 in the 1,500-meter captured the coveted Millrose Games title after several previous attempts.
Following the victory, Hiltz called winning the Wanamaker Mile a bucket-list accomplishment. The eight-time consecutive US champion described the final lap as a celebration after years of pursuit.
“We don’t have a lot of things in our sport where your name is etched onto something,” they told the NBC Sports broadcast. “So no matter what happens in my career, my name’s never getting off that trophy, and that’s a really good feeling.”
Nikki Hiltz is at the top of their running game in 2026
Hiltz, who identifies as transgender and non-binary, wore a pink one-piece speed suit and neon orange racing spikes. The Lululemon-sponsored athlete was recently selected for induction into the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame.
The race featured intense competition as Hiltz surged to the lead at the midway point. 2024 Olympics silver medalist Jessica Hull stayed close, with Hiltz subsequently pulling away from the Australian in the last 30 meters.
After crossing the finish line, the 2024 Paris Olympian celebrated with the crowd, giving high-fives and encouraging louder cheers. The champion formed a heart with their hands, blew a kiss, and received flowers along with the winner's trophy.
Hull finished second with a time of 4:20.11, while Poland's Klaudia Kazimierska took third with 4:21.36. Australian Linden Hall placed fourth with a personal-best 4:21.45, while Kenya's Susan Ejore-Sanders rounded out the top five with 4:22.23.
US runner Sinclaire Johnson — who surpassed Nikki Hiltz as the current US mile record-holder last July — finished 10th.
