729. Nikki Hiltz & Emma Gee’s 2024 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials Recaps

Ali on the Run Show

"When I crossed the finish line, it was definitely joy, but I think more than anything, it was relief."

Right before the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials, we heard from fan favorite guests Nikki Hiltz and Emma Gee. Nikki and Emma were headed into their events at the Trials with big dreams and goals. Emma wanted to make it to the 3000m Steeplechase final. And Nikki wanted to make Team USA in the 1500m. Today, Nikki and Emma return to the show to talk about how it all played out in Eugene. Nikki did, in fact, make Team USA in the 1500. And they didn't just make the team: Nikki won the whole thing. They cruised through the first round, won their heat in the semi-final, and then unleashed that signature Nikki kick to win the final in a personal best time of 3:55.33. Emma didn't end up making the Steeplechase final, but she certainly achieved her goal of being brave in the first round, even leading the race at one point. Next stop: Paris!

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What you’ll get on this episode:

• On Olympic rings tattoos and Instagram bios (2:40)
• What the past few days have been like for Nikki since winning the 1500m final at the Olympic Track and Field Trials (5:00)
• Nikki breaks down the final 100m of the 1500m final, and whether or not they think this was a flawlessly executed race (15:00)
• Emma talks about racing the 3000m Steeplechase (19:10)
• Emma’s takeaways from competing at the Olympic Trials for the first time (32:15)
• Nikki recaps the first round of the 1500m (43:00)
• Nikki recaps the 1500m semi-final, which they won (47:05)
• Nikki recaps the 1500m final, which they also won! (51:50)
• The moment Nikki broke the tape (1:11:45)
• On getting to sign the Eiffel Tower (1:13:55)
• On allyship (1:19:10)
• All about the fun stuff Nikki gets to do now (1:22:30)
• What happens between now and Paris (1:26:05)

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