German track star Alica Schmidt is celebrating a major breakthrough in her athletic journey after clocking a new personal best in the 800 meters—an achievement that holds even greater significance considering the challenges she faced earlier this year. The 26-year-old sprinter, widely known for her prowess in the 400m, has spent the first half of 2025 navigating unfamiliar territory as she began her transition into middle-distance running.
Schmidt took to social media to reflect on the accomplishment and open up about her struggles during the 2025 indoor season. It was a period marked by frustration and self-doubt, as she found it difficult to deliver the performances she had envisioned when she initially committed to the new event. “There were times I questioned the switch,” she admitted. “But I also knew this was something I had promised myself years ago.”
The “promise” Schmidt referred to dates back to 2022, when she made a quiet but determined decision to test her abilities in the 800m following the Paris 2024 Olympics. Staying true to her word, she began dedicated training for the new event shortly after the Games concluded. However, the transition was anything but easy. Going from sprinting to middle-distance racing demanded not only physical adjustments, but also mental fortitude.
“The 800m is a different beast,” Schmidt said in her post. “It’s not just about speed—it’s about pacing, strategy, and enduring through discomfort. I underestimated that at first.”
Despite the setbacks earlier in the year, Schmidt’s perseverance has started to pay off. Her recent performance, which saw her achieve a personal best in the 800m, is more than just a statistic—it’s a symbol of resilience and growth. The German athlete expressed her excitement at finally seeing the results of her hard work and emphasized how fulfilling it felt to overcome a rocky start.
As she continues to compete in both the 400m and 800m this season, Schmidt is determined to keep improving and pushing her limits. Her journey is far from over, but this milestone stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for athletics.
Fans and fellow athletes have flooded her social media with messages of support, inspired by her willingness to take risks and stay committed even when the path grew uncertain. If her latest performance is any indication, Alica Schmidt is only getting started on what could become a remarkable chapter in her running career.