Nonbinary runner Nikki Hiltz finishes seventh in 1500 meter finals

• Hiltz finished with a time of 3:56.38, while fellow American Elle St. Pierre finished eighth, completing the race in 3:57.52.
• Kenya's Faith Kipyegon won the race in an Olympic record time of 3:51.29. Australia's Jessica Hull claimed silver, racing in 3:52.56, while Great Britain's Georgia Bell took bronze, finishing in 3:52.61.

What they're saying: Hiltz told Axios after the race that they hope their presence in an Olympic finals inspires transgender and nonbinary youth to be their full selves.

• "There's a ton of people trying to other them and exclude them from things," Hiltz said. "But I'm on the biggest stage in the world, and I grew up my whole life trans."
• "I have this very unique identity, and it's a superpower," Hiltz said. "I just want them to know that they're loved and belong."

Zoom out: Hiltz earlier credited the support of the queer community to helping boost them in Paris.

• "Before the gun goes off I know that I am loved and supported, and that just allows me to run free," they said after Thursday's semifinal. "It doesn't matter what the result is."
• As for the milestone of being the first trans and nonbinary athlete to reach an individual final, 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.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a new photo and statement from Hiltz.