The 2025 season didn’t exactly unfold for German track and field athlete Alica Schmidt as she had hoped, but maybe it was for the best.
Reflecting on past seasons, Schmidt, often referred to as “the sexiest athlete in the world,” shared the challenges she faced, particularly her recent battle with Covid-19 just before the German Championship.
“This season really pushed me to my limits. There were tough competitions, many lessons learned, and a lot of personal growth. It wasn’t the season I envisioned, but it turned out to be necessary,” she mentioned on Instagram.
“Unfortunately, I tested positive for Covid a few days before the Nationals, which meant I couldn’t perform at my peak,” she added.
Competing in the 800-meter event on Saturday, Schmidt didn’t make it to the final. As she looked towards the latter part of the year, she reflected on the biggest takeaway from this experience.
“This year is all about commitment, learning, facing challenges, and accepting what comes my way,” she wrote. “It’s everything one needs to know about approaching the 800m.”
Earlier this year, Schmidt participated in the German indoor championship, finishing fourth in the 800-meter final after winning her heat. Additionally, she was part of the SCC Berlin team that ranked first in the women’s 4x200m relay short track at the same championship.
With an eye toward 2026, she expressed hopes for a return to full health while wanting to compete in a few more races before redirecting her focus.
“I still have a deep love for this process,” she concluded in her post.
Meanwhile, Schmidt’s social media presence has seen remarkable growth, boasting 5.5 million followers on Instagram, particularly following the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Last August, she found herself at the center of headlines when a teammate’s challenging performance overshadowed her efforts, culminating in a lack of medals at the event.
Despite the ups and downs, Schmidt maintained her composure throughout her time in Paris.
“The Olympics aren’t only about winning medals. It’s about joining inspiring athletes in intense competition, celebrating diversity, and appreciating everyone, regardless of background,” she shared on social media.
“Recently, it’s been an emotional roller coaster, and I’ve learned a lot. As an athlete, I’m not quite where I want to be yet—and maybe I never will be.”
