Nikki Hiltz is a history maker: They are the first openly transgender and nonbinary American track and field Olympian. "I’ve been called the first a lot — the first nonbinary person to do this or this," Hiltz said. "That’s so cool. I’m so excited for whoever is second or third. I’m first, but I’m definitely not the last."
By their side is their partner, Emma Gee, who is also a runner and a trailblazer herself. Gee trains alongside Hiltz, though she competes in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. (Hiltz runs the 1,500 meter race.) As Hiltz begins their quest for a medal in Paris, meet their partner, Emma Gee.
Emma grew up Mormon in Colorado.
Emma, the daughter of Stephen and Erin Gee, has four siblings: Megan, Matthew, Ryan and Denny. In high school, she was an eight-time letter-winner in track and cross country.
"I was born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Growing up, my family maintained a conservative household that rigorously upheld traditional Christian values," she wrote in an essay. "Three hours of church each Sunday, family scripture study every night, youth group on Tuesdays, and seminary (Bible study class) every morning before school. I was raised to believe in eternal marriage between a man and a woman. My future was conditioned and clear and I was prepared for it. When I realized my sexuality, I knew the only life I’d ever known would reject me."
She made history at Brigham Young University (BYU).
Gee was on the track and field team at BYU, where she made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ athlete. "I am the only out LGBTQ athlete at BYU. A lonely label and a sad reality. Because, between you and me, I’m not the only athlete at BYU who is LGBTQ. I’m just the only one who is out," she wrote in an essay for Out Sports.
After the essay went viral, Gee told USA Today, "I’ve fallen down more times than I can count. I’m not someone who walks away from something the first time it gets uncomfortable. I’m going to keep hurdling.”
She graduated from BYU in spring 2020, as a Public Relations Major and International Development Minor. After BYU, she went to Temple, also running for their team, where she got her masters degree in Management.
Nikki and Emma met via Instagram DM.
They started dating in May 2020. In 2021, they rescued their German Shepherd, Scout, and in March 2022, they moved to Flagstaff, Arizona.
They host a Pride 5K in Flagstaff.
Since 2020, Emma and Nikki have hosted a Pride 5K as "a safe space for people to show up as themselves. I knew then that this race wasn’t a one-time quarantine special; it was something I wanted to do for years to come," Hiltz wrote. "Over the past three years, the Pride 5k has raised and donated over $172,000 to the Trevor Project. Creating a race where people can celebrate pride and support queer youth has not only been the highlight of my career; it served as the inspiration for me to come out as transgender non-binary and live as my full authentic self. I'm so grateful for the beautiful community of runners, walkers, and allies that have made such a safe space possible."
This year's race takes place in October (more info here).
Emma trains with Nikki.
Emma, also a professional runner, trains with Nikki.
Emma also competed in the Olympic Team Trials.
Emma Gee and Madie Boreman compete in the first round of the women’s 3000 meter steeplechase.
Gee did not make the Olympic team. After the trials, she posted on Instagram, "Thanks for all the love & support this week! My favorite part of this sport is the community-wide understanding that it’s scary as hell to put yourself out there & set big goals, to show up exactly as yourself, and to either make it happen…or not. No matter what, the whole plot of this sport is to keep showing up - which I of course will do."
Hiltz posted on Instagram, "Goal was to make it to the trials steeple final but we fell a little short. She put herself in it and made it an honest race and it was truly beautiful to see. Racing brave is never something to be disappointed in. I told Emma yesterday that when things don’t go my way, I’ve found over and over again that’s when love has shined through the brightest ✨so lets give this queen some love in the comments and prove me right so I look like a coach who knows what they’re talking about 😂"
She hosts the Queer Athlete Podcast.
Gee is the host of the Queer Athlete Podcast, though it hasn't had a new episode since 2023.
Emily Burack
Senior News Editor
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
