For German track and field athlete Alica Schmidt, the 2025 season didn’t unfold the way she had imagined. Yet, as she looks back, she calls it “the one” she needed—a year of lessons, challenges, and personal growth.
Known globally not just for her athletic talent but also for her social media presence, Schmidt has long carried the title of “world’s sexiest athlete,” but behind the headlines lies the story of an athlete pushing herself to new limits. In an honest Instagram post, Schmidt opened up about the difficulties she faced this year, including a major setback just before one of her most important competitions.
“This season really put me to the test,” Schmidt shared. “Tough races, lots of lessons, and a whole lot of growth. It wasn’t the season I was hoping for, but it was definitely the one I needed.”
One of the toughest blows came in the days leading up to the German Championships, when Schmidt contracted COVID-19. The illness impacted her preparation and performance, leaving her frustrated and unable to compete at her best. “Unfortunately I caught Covid a few days before Nationals, so I wasn’t able to show up at my best—definitely frustrating,” she admitted.
At the championships, Schmidt competed in the 800 meters but failed to qualify for the final. Despite the disappointment, she emphasized that this year was about embracing the challenge of a new event, learning the demands of middle-distance running, and building the mental and physical endurance required.
“This year is about committing, learning, challenging, and accepting,” she wrote. “Everything I need to learn on how to tackle the 800m.”
Earlier in the year, Schmidt had shown flashes of promise in the new distance. At the German Indoor Championships in February, she won her 800-meter heat and finished fourth in the final. She also celebrated victory as part of SCC Berlin’s women’s 4×200-meter relay team in a second final heat at the same championships.
Looking ahead, Schmidt is already thinking about recovery and preparation for 2026. “Hoping to get my body 100% healthy again and squeeze in a few more races before shifting focus to 2026,” she told fans, adding that she’s “still completely in love with the process.”
The past 12 months have been eventful for Schmidt both on and off the track. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, she competed in the mixed 4×400-meter relay but failed to medal. She also made headlines last August after a teammate appeared to subtly criticize her performance. Still, she took away valuable lessons from the Games.
“The Olympics are not just about winning medals,” Schmidt reflected at the time. “It’s about being alongside inspiring athletes while competing at the highest level. Showing ambition, celebrating diversity and people no matter who they are and where they are from.”
She acknowledged that her athletic journey is still a work in progress. “As an athlete I am still not where I want to be and maybe I will never be. But the one thing that is for sure: I will never stop trying and figuring out ways to improve. I love taking you guys with me on this journey and hope to inspire young athletes and show how amazing this sport can be!”
With 5.5 million Instagram followers and a growing presence in global athletics, Schmidt remains a figure to watch. While 2025 tested her in ways she didn’t expect, it also laid the foundation for what could be a strong and determined comeback in the seasons ahead.