Nikki Hiltz made history in Des Moines in more ways than one when they crossed the finish line to win the women's Grand Blue Mile. Not only did Hiltz break a course and USATF 1 Mile Road Championship record with a time of 4:28, they also were the first openly nonbinary athlete to win the race, according to Danny Frey, director of athletic communications at drakeuniversity, which hosts the annual event as a kickoff to DrakeRelays. For nikkihiltz, a 28-year-old professional track athlete from California who uses they/them pronouns and identifies as transgender nonbinary, Des Moines holds a special place in their heart. Racing at the Drake Stadium in 2019, Hiltz made their first-ever world team. A few months prior, they won the Grand Blue Mile for the first time. This is the first year Hiltz says they won the race as their authentic self. Tap the link in our bio for more on this story. #DesMoines #Iowa #DrakeUniversity #DrakeRelays #NonBinary #TransAthlete