“I wanted to be calm, relaxed, and confident that I belonged here… Maybe I didn’t get the outcome that I wanted, but I hit my goal of being calm, trying to stay low emotion, and float, follow, and relax — all of the words that I said to myself. I’m really proud of how I navigated that race.” Please welcome back to the show – the one and only Nikki Hiltz. And what a year it’s been! Just a season after finishing seventh at the Paris Olympics, Nikki stepped onto the line at the World Championships in Tokyo and delivered the best outdoor global finish of their career: fifth in the 1500m. They ran 3:57.08, the top American in the final, and held their own in a race where Faith Kipyegon, Dorcus Ewoi, and Jessica Hull all ran sub-3:56 for medals. Yes, it’s easy to get caught up in the medal talk that we pushed throughout the championships. That’s what we do as pundits to talk about the sport. But for Nikki, it wasn’t about the outcome as much as the process: staying calm, engaged, and believing in their plan lap after lap. That mindset carried them to a performance that showed just how close they are to the world’s very best. Today, we talk about the lessons learned, the mantras that kept them grounded, and what it means to chase medals while staying true to the journey. ____________ Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram Guest: Nikki Hiltz | @nikkihiltz on Instagram Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram Mentioned in this episode… Listen: Sage Hurta After Finishing 5th In The World Championships 800m Final In 1:55.89 (Third-Fastest American Ever) | Tokyo 2025 Recap + Reflections ____________ SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS ASICS: The Megablast is the Mega Man of the Blast lineup. Armed with ASICS’ latest foam innovation, FlyteFoam Turbo Squared, it’s 33% bouncier and 10% softer than before. That means every stride feels effortless—whether you’re out for an easy shakeout, stacking long miles, or testing race pace. And here’s the kicker—no plate needed. If you’re ready for the shoe that defines ultimate bounce, check out the ASICS Megablast—available now at asics.com and your local run specialty store. WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout. OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
