Alica Schmidt: The Journey of the "World's Sexiest Athlete" to the Paris 2024 Olympics

By: Luke Evans | 08/03/2024

Alica Schmidt, often dubbed the "world's sexiest athlete," has captivated the world both on and off the track. As she prepares to make her Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games, Schmidt's journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of social media.

Schmidt's ascent to stardom parallels that of American gymnast Livvy Dunne, with both athletes amassing large social media followings. Schmidt boasts 5.2 million followers on Instagram, nearly rivaling Dunne’s 5.3 million, and has 2.1 million followers on TikTok. While she trails Dunne's 8 million TikTok followers, this disparity may be partly due to the different regulations and popularity of TikTok in Europe compared to the United States.

The German track and field star competed in the mixed 4×400 meter relay at The Stade de France on Friday August 2nd. Schmidt shared a video on Instagram detailing her excitement for the event, giving fans a glimpse into her preparations and enthusiasm for the competition.

Her excitement for this momentous occasion was evident when she shared a video on Instagram expressing her joy upon seeing the newly revamped stadium. The track, uniquely colored purple to celebrate the host country, moved Schmidt close to tears. "Wow!" she captioned her emotional post, capturing her awe and excitement.

In another heartfelt Instagram post, Schmidt shared her feelings about achieving her lifelong dream:

Schmidt's road to the Olympics has not been without challenges. She qualified for the pandemic-delayed Tokyo 2020 Games but did not get the opportunity to compete. Following a challenging year marked by a COVID-19 infection and injuries, Schmidt took a break from the sport. Reflecting on that period, she said, “It was not an easy year with my Covid Infection and torn ligaments but nevertheless, I know what I am capable of and I‘m hungry for more.”

Standing at 5’9", Schmidt has not only made a name for herself as an athlete but also as a brand ambassador for several companies, including Hugo Boss. Her presence extends beyond the track, having previously served as a fitness coach for the German professional soccer club Borussia Dortmund. Her disciplined mindset and positive approach to handling pressure, as she shared with Women’s Health, have been key to her success: “If I go into a competition and I’m not nervous, it won’t go well. I remind myself that I did everything I could in preparation to be in top shape on the day. And if it doesn’t work out, so be it, because I couldn’t have done anything better.”

Despite her fame and success, Schmidt remains grounded. She recently revealed that her income from athletics is relatively modest, earning just £611 per month as a sprinter. Yet, her passion for the sport and her determination to succeed shine through.

As the world eagerly watches Schmidt's Olympic debut, she continues to inspire with her story of perseverance, grace, and unyielding pursuit of her dreams. Whether on the track or on social media, Alica Schmidt is a force to be reckoned with, embodying the spirit of a true champion.

Here's more insight into Schmidt's journey to the Summer Olympics: