"It was like, 'What if the worst thing happens and I don’t make the team?' And then it happened, and my life was fine. And then on the other end of it, last year I won the whole thing, which was really unexpected and cool…and my life also didn’t change. So I know that no matter what happens, I have a great life outside of this thing."

Nikki Hiltz and Emma Gee return to the Ali on the Run Show as they both prepare to compete at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials in Eugene, OR. Nikki is hoping to make their first Olympic team in the 1500m, while Emma achieved her longtime goal to make it to the starting line of the 3000m steeplechase, and now has a new goal for the event. They talk about their coach/athlete/partner relationship, about how they're each feeling heading into the Trials, and about what they do to set themselves up for success on race day.

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What you’ll get on this episode:

• How Nikki and Emma are each feeling heading into the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials (2:45)
• What Nikki and Emma are packing for Eugene (7:30)
• Nikki’s approach to the Trials and the pressure that comes with competing when you’re at the top of your game (10:25)
• All about Emma’s goal to qualify for the 2024 Trials (15:10)
• Nikki and Emma talk about their coach/athlete/partner dynamic (24:35)
• How Nikki and Emma set themselves up for success on race day (27:40)
• What it’s been like being followed by a documentary crew (36:20)
• How Emma has approached her training (51:35)
• How Nikki approaches each round of competition (54:00)

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