German track and field athlete Alica Schmidt is embracing both growth and new challenges in her athletic career, even after narrowly missing out on a podium finish at the Spitzen Leichtathletik Luzern 2025 meet. Despite not earning a medal, Schmidt had plenty of reasons to be optimistic after delivering a personal best performance in her new event.
Competing in the women’s 800 meters final, Schmidt crossed the finish line in 2:03.21, securing fifth place overall. While the result kept her off the podium, the time marked a significant personal milestone for the 26-year-old, who only recently transitioned to the 800-meter distance. The performance in Lucerne showed that she’s on the right track as she continues to expand her capabilities on the track.
Following the race, Schmidt took to social media and spoke to reporters about her mindset moving forward. Rather than dwelling on the fact that she didn’t place in the top three, she chose to focus on the positives—chief among them being her new personal best and the steady improvement she has shown this season.
“I’m really happy with the time,” Schmidt said. “Of course, it’s always nice to be on the podium, but for me right now it’s about building experience in the 800 meters and getting stronger with each race. This is just the beginning.”
Schmidt has spent much of her career focusing on the 400 meters and the 4×400-meter relay, where she has represented Germany on the European stage and at international competitions. However, in 2025, she made the decision to add the 800 meters to her repertoire—a challenging event that requires both speed and endurance, as well as new strategies in pacing and race tactics.
The shift to a new event isn’t easy for any athlete, but Schmidt has approached it with determination and patience. Her goal is to develop into a competitive two-lap runner while continuing to build on her strengths from the 400 meters. The personal best in Lucerne is an encouraging sign that her training is paying off and that she’s adjusting well to the demands of the middle-distance event.
“This season is about growth for me,” she added. “The 800 meters is a whole different race compared to the 400. It’s teaching me a lot about endurance, race strategy, and mental focus. I know there’s still a lot of work to do, but I’m motivated to keep pushing.”
Schmidt’s performance at the Spitzen Leichtathletik Luzern meet has earned her praise from fans and coaches alike, not just for her athletic abilities but also for her positive attitude and resilience. As the 2025 season continues, she plans to participate in additional 800-meter races while also keeping her 400-meter training sharp.
For Alica Schmidt, the journey is just as important as the results. With her combination of talent, hard work, and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone, she’s setting herself up for continued success on the track—whether it’s in the 400, the 800, or beyond.