Elle Purrier St. Pierre of Vermont has advanced to the finals of the women's 1,500 meters at the Paris Olympics with a third-place finish in her semifinal heat, generating strong support from her hometown. Meanwhile, American Nikki Hiltz, a transgender and nonbinary athlete, has also qualified for the women's 1,500-meter semifinals, advocating for greater acceptance of nonbinary and transgender athletes amidst ongoing controversies, particularly in women's boxing. Hiltz's journey to the Olympics has been a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community, with their social media posts addressing the transphobia and ignorance they have faced. Both athletes are now set to compete further in their respective events, highlighting the intersection of sports achievements and broader social issues.