Alica Schmidt moves into new event following fallout Paris relay controversy

Alica Schmidt – one of the biggest names in athletics thanks to her huge online following, says she's going to focus on a new event following the disappointment of her relay team's failure to make it past the heats at the Paris Olympics this year.

Per The Daily Mail, Schmidt was handed the baton for her leg by Skadi Schier but started slowly, putting her and her team out of contention.

Schmidt was selected to the team, despite Luna Bulmahn claiming she was the second fastest 400m runner in Germany on Instagram, suggesting all was not right within the German team.

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Following the fallout from Paris, Schmidt says she is moving on from the 400m events and will now focus on the individual 800m, she revealed in an Instagram post on Sunday, November 10.

"After Paris I tried something new and ran a 800m & 600m and really enjoyed pushing out of my comfort zone. Back in 2022, I decided that I wanted to give the 800m a shot after the Paris Olympics, so now it means… I’m going for it next year I‘m on my way to my first high altitude training camp where I’ll join an international 800m group to train alongside great athletes where I can learn a lot."

Schmidt turned down a massive six-figure sponsorship deal from a known brand ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. According to Bild, Schmidt rejected the offer due to discrepancies with the brand, despite her need for funding.

"A couple of months ago I received an offer from a known brand. But my principles wouldn't align with the brand. I did not feel comfortable accepting that," shared Schmidt during an interview for Bild.

Her decision was a brave one as MundoDeportivo reported before the Games that she was one of a number of German athletes who were struggling to finance themselves.

Besides athletics, Schmidt also uses social media as another form of income. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to earn money through social media and avoid having to work a part-time job," she shared on social media. MundoDeportivo further reports on her interest in media, as she is currently studying for a degree in communications.

Schmidt is a German track-field athlete who has garnered considerable attention for her exceptional athletic skills and jaw-dropping looks. She has emerged as one of the most promising sprinters in recent years, whilst also growing a huge presence online.

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Born on November 8, 1998, the German athlete has forged a name on the international stage. Raised in the small town of Pulheim, near Cologne, she dedicated much of her time to sports and training, as reported by the New York Post.

Schmidt's passion for sports began at an early age when she started playing for a local football team in Cologne. However, it was during her early teenage years that she discovered her true talent was sprinting.

Blessed with natural speed and agility, she quickly rose through the ranks and caught the attention of coaches and sports enthusiasts alike.

Schmidt made her breakthrough on the international stage during the 2017 European Athletics U20 Champions in Grosseto, Italy. She competed in the 4x400-meter relay sprint and delivered a great race time, as stated by World Athletics.

A great display of strength and determination that gave Schmidt a silver medal. Her impressive performance in the 4x400-meter relay sprint showcased her remarkable potential.

Ever since her silver medal in Grosseto, the young German athlete has been on an upward trajectory. Schmidt has continued to dominate her national and international sprinting scene, consistently improving her performances.

The fact she constantly pushes herself and challenges her human limits makes her a world-class athlete. Schmidt's primary race focus now is on the 400-meter and 4x400-meter relay races.

A major defining moment in Schmidt's career came in 2019 when she was summoned by the German National Team to compete in Gavle, Sweden. She took part in the European Indoor Championships, facing stiff opposition from other season athletes.

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Nevertheless, she displayed nerves of steel and clinched a well-deserved bronze medal in the 4x400-meter relay, as recorded by World Athletics.

Beyond her sporting achievements, Schmidt has also become an internet sensation, garnering a substantial fanbase on social media platforms. Her stunning looks and athletic powers have gained her a worldwide reputation.

She has been featured in various publications and health magazines. According to MailOnline, Schmidt argues she is misjudged and labeled a "s e x symbol" purely for her looks, when in reality she is a world-class athlete first and foremost.

The German athlete demands others value her as a successful runner because that is what she is. "Being on the track, trying to push myself to the absolute limit, that's the feeling I live for," shared the German athlete on her social media.

With 3.7 million followers on Instagram, she has become an active voice for the track and field community, speaking out on issues of gender equality and equal opportunity.

While she has been grateful for the opportunities granted by modeling agencies and fashion brands, she is an athlete at heart.

"I'm lucky I have such an amazing support system around me. I'm focusing on what I want to achieve as an athlete and I try not to let other people's perceptions dictate my behavior or opportunities," she told Sun Sport.

Despite her fantastic form in the lead-up to the Games, Schmidt struggled to put her best foot forwards. Still, as she is only 25-years-old, she has plenty more opportunities to perform on the world stage!

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