Nikki Hiltz has been dating runner Emma Gee for four years (Images: Emma Gee Instagram)

Who is Nikki Hiltz's girlfriend? Meet Olympian's long-time partner and runner Emme Gee who is cheering them on at Paris Olympics 2024

Modified Aug 08, 2024 16:00 GMT

Nikki Hiltz has been dating steeplechase runner Emma Gee for more than four years now. The couple met via Instagram in May 2020, and are now training partners and supporters of each other at track meets.

Hiltz, who is an American middle-distance runner, specializes in the 1500m distance and is competing at the Paris Olympics 2024. They are the first openly non-binary American athlete to compete at the Olympic Games.

Gee specializes in the 3000m steeplechase. She competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials 2024, but didn't make the team. Gee met Nikki Hiltz in 2020 and now the couple train together.

Emma Gee family and hometown

Emma Gee was born on August 17, 1997, in Broomfield, Colorado. She's the daughter of Stephen and Erin Gee and has four siblings, namely, Megan, Mathew, Ryan, and Denny.

"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 for Out Sports.

She added:

"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."

Emme Gee education

Emma Gee majored in Public Relations and minored in International Development at Brigham Young University. She previously studied at Legacy High School, where she played soccer as well. Gee was an 8x letter-winner in track and cross country.

Gee was the first openly LGBTQ+ athlete in the BYU Track and Field team.

"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.

The 26-year-old later went to Temple University. She had personal bests of 2:19.53 in 800m, 4:32.50m in 1500m, and 10:04.84 in the 3000m Steeplechase.

Nikki Hiltz and Emma Gee host the Pride 5K event

World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024 - Nikki Hiltz in action - Source: Getty

Nikki Hiltz and Emma Gee also host the Pride 5K event, which they regard as 'a safe space for people to show up as themselves'.

The event aims to advocate for inclusivity and has raised more than $172,000 over the last three years, which the couple has donated to the Trevor Project. The race takes place annually in October. This year's edition of the event will also be fundraising for a non-profit organization called Point of Pride.