On Friday (January 31), Nikki Hiltz competed against more than 180 runners in the women’s 3,000m event at the John Thomas Terrier Classic. Hosted by Boston University, the Classic has its own glory. It can give a good start to any athlete in the indoor season. Did Nikki have that in the 3,000m event? Well, the 30-year-old completed the race in 8:32.52 minutes. Their timing did not make them the topper in the history of the event. That place is still in Karissa Schweitzer’s possession. But Nikki’s timing was enough to give them the top podium in the event. They left their last season winning the Mile Road contest in Honolulu last year.
Almost two months later, Nikki Hiltz started their journey, with her fiery form intact, winning races for fun. So, did that performance give birth to any special feeling in them? Well, Nikki had a huge confession to make.
The 3-time Olympic champion finds a fan on track and field
After emerging victorious in the women’s 3000m event at the Classic, Nikki Hiltz found Citius Mag, waiting with importing questions for them. Among other things, we now know, that the Aptos native will not enter the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix this season. The women’s 3000m event will have names like Parker Valby, Jessica Hull, Sarah Healy, Georgia Bell, and a few others. The World Athletics Indoor medalist has a great respect for those names. They said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if after Sunday that list looks a little different. I think they’re going to rip it on New Balance.” The 30-year-old talked about the number they set at the Classic in the women’s 3000m event. But, while they are in the mix, you can expect something massive.
“To be competitive on the global stage in the 1500m, I think you’ve got to be able to run a good 800m and good 5K… I’ve been working on my strength. I live at altitude. I’m really happy with that time.”@Nikki_Hiltz after opening their season with an 8:32.52 3000m win at the… pic.twitter.com/ei63m3KHPI
— CITIUS MAG (@CitiusMag) January 31, 2025
In the interaction, Hiltz said, they need to be “competitive on the global stage in the 1,500.” While the relentless performances at the 800m and 5,000m would be good for them, it is about trying to gain supremacy in several events simultaneously. How would that go? Well, it did go well for Faith Kipyegon. Per Nikki, “You know, you’ve seen Faith Kipygeon the best in the world with a 5K and the 1,500.” Notably, the 31-year-old Kenyan runner has three Olympic gold medals at the women’s 1,500m in a row. Also, in Paris, she claimed the silver medal in the women’s 5,000m event.
Therefore, for Nikki Hiltz, Faith Kipygeon is the perfect idol in track and field sports. But do they prepare themselves in a way to reign in the multiple events? Looks like they sure do. In the interaction, Nikki said, “I’ve been working on my strength. I live at altitude. So, yeah, I’m really happy with my time, for sure.” Do we get to watch Hiltz at any of these events anytime soon?
Nikki Hiltz on their way to the big leagues
“It should be pretty easy to beat someone if you knew exactly what they were going to do, right?” The Grand Slam Track contest explained Nikki Hiltz through those lines. The national record holder in the mile event will enter GST as the prominent face. But to compete in the ambitious track project, they would have to give up on the World Athletics Indoor Championships. Yes, Nikki has a massive chance of missing the championship where they claimed a medal last year. Well, for them, it might not pose a vast issue. They will also miss the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix this year. Then what could be Hiltz’s test ground?
Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Women’s 1500m Round 1 – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 06, 2024. Nikki Hiltz of United States reacts after finishing in third place in heat 2. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
The USA Indoor might have a chance to witness Nikki in either 1, 500m or 3,000m events. Last year, they attempted one 3,000m short track. That was in the Millrose Games in New York. Will they appear this year too? Well, chances are far from dim. In February, there will be two chances to watch the athlete follow Faith Kipygeon’s footsteps. Are you ready to watch them? Let us know in the comment box.
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