Nonbinary runner Nikki Hiltz to 1500-meter finals at Paris Olympics

Driving the news: Hiltz finished in a time of 3:56.17. Fellow American Elle St. Pierre finished third in the other semifinal, with a time of 3:59.74, also qualifying for the final.

• The top six runners in each semifinal qualify for the final.

What they're saying: Asked what the milestone meant to them, Hiltz said: "I know I'm the first, but I know I am not the last."

• "I hope I can make it a little bit easier for the next nonbinary person," Hiltz said.
• Hiltz said they gain added strength from representing a larger community.
• "I feel like I have a super power being queer out there," Hiltz said. "Before the gun goes off I know that I am loved and supported, and that just allows me to run free. It doesn't matter what the result is."
• In turn, Hiltz said they "just want to give that love back and advocate and use my platform," noting that within the past two years there have been more than 500 anti-LGBTQ laws that have been passed or introduced in the U.S.

Meanwhile, St. Pierre told Axios she was really happy for Hiltz.

• "They really stand up for their community and that's an inspiration in and of itself," St. Pierre said.

The big picture: Hiltz is not the only transgender or nonbinary athlete competing in Paris.

• Quinn, a veteran player the Canadian soccer team, won a gold medal in Tokyo and played on this year's squad.
• Hergie Bacyadan, of the Philippines, lost his match on Wednesday but became the first openly transgender male to compete at the Games.

Yes, but: There are no transgender women known to be competing in Paris. New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard competed in Tokyo, while Team USA BMX rider Chelsea Wolfe was an alternate at the Tokyo Games.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional statements.