Alica Schmidt’s journey is one of reinvention. From her Olympic debut in the 4×400-meter relay to her current push into the 800 meters, she is proving that ambition and adaptability are essential traits for success
Her social media presence may bring her widespread fame, but it’s her dedication on the track that truly defines her.
As she wraps up her training camp in France, fans, coaches, and competitors alike are eager to see what the future holds.
With her trademark tenacity and growing expertise in the 800-meter event, Alica Schmidt may just be at the beginning of her most impressive chapter yet.
Alica Schmidt embodies the spirit of today’s athlete—talented, media-savvy, financially conscious, and deeply committed to her craft.
Her candid reflections offer a window into the less-publicized aspects of an athlete’s life: the financial hardships, the pressures of dual careers, and the constant juggling act.
Yet, through it all, she maintains grace, discipline, and focus. Whether on the track or in front of a camera, Schmidt is running her race with purpose and authenticity. And that, more than any medal or modeling contract, is what truly sets her apart.
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Table of Contents
Alica Schmidt’s Final Push
Eyeing an 800m Breakthrough in France
As the European outdoor track season approaches, Germany’s Alica Schmidt is immersing herself in what she calls her “most intense” training phase yet.1
The popular track star, often dubbed “the world’s sexiest athlete,” is currently at her final training camp in France, where she is laser-focused on adapting to her new event—the 800 meters.
Known for her speed, elegance, and online popularity, Schmidt has decided to raise the bar in her athletic career following the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Her switch from mixed relays to the grueling two-lap event has captured attention in the track and field community. Now, Schmidt is not only preparing to compete—she’s aiming to win.
From Mixed Relay to Middle Distance: A Bold New Chapter
Alica Schmidt was a member of Germany’s 4×400-meter mixed relay team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
While the team put in a strong effort, they missed out on a podium finish. Rather than dwell on the outcome, Schmidt saw an opportunity for growth.
The 800 meters—an event that demands not only speed but also strategic endurance—presented the challenge she was looking for.
The decision to shift focus wasn’t taken lightly. Transitioning from 400 meters and relay work to 800 meters is no small feat. It requires a complete recalibration of pacing, stamina, and race tactics. But Schmidt, known for her work ethic and willingness to evolve, embraced the challenge head-on.
High Altitude, High Ambition: South Africa to France
To prepare for this transition, Schmidt headed to an altitude training camp in South Africa earlier in the season.
Training at high altitude is a common practice among middle- and long-distance runners, as it improves the body’s oxygen-carrying capacity. For Schmidt, it was an essential step in building the endurance required for the 800-meter event.
Her time in South Africa served not just as a physical challenge but also as a mental reset. Away from the spotlight and social media, Schmidt was able to focus fully on her craft. After weeks of rigorous drills, long runs, and strength training, she returned to Europe with renewed energy.
Now in France for her final pre-season camp, Schmidt is sharpening her tactics, polishing her technique, and preparing for competition under the guidance of her team.
Alica Schmidt: Training With the Elite
A Powerful Support Network
At the French training facility, Schmidt is not alone. She is working alongside Majtie Kolberg, a seasoned 800-meter runner and fellow German Olympian.2
Kolberg’s experience in the event offers Schmidt a valuable benchmark and mentorship dynamic. Training beside Kolberg has helped Schmidt adapt more quickly to the physical and strategic demands of the 800.
Also instrumental to her progress is professional coach Jan Petrac, whose methodical approach and tailored programs are designed to maximize each athlete’s potential.
With a coach who understands the intricacies of the 800 meters, Schmidt is able to get immediate feedback and detailed insight into her form, stride patterns, and pace control.
The trio—Schmidt, Kolberg, and Petrac—are pushing boundaries, supporting each other, and creating an environment where Schmidt can thrive in her new discipline.
Lactic sessions are my fav, y’all can tell🥰💀
Today’s session was a killer 🥵 pic.twitter.com/Gc76UHUgT3— alica schmidt (@alicaschmidt13) May 10, 2025
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes: “Brutal” Workouts and Dedication
On Instagram, Schmidt has provided fans with a sneak peek into her current training regimen.
In one story, she captioned the session as “brutal,” and the visuals back it up: hill sprints, strength circuits, tempo runs, and tactical drills that demand both mental and physical grit.
Her stories show not just the glamorous side of being a professional athlete but the exhaustion and persistence required. “No shortcuts,” she wrote in one post, accompanied by a video of her gasping for air after a tough rep.
It’s a raw, authentic portrayal of what it takes to move up in distance and performance.
Schmidt also uses her platform to highlight the team around her—thanking her coaches, training partners, and fans for the ongoing support.
Alica Schmidt: Balancing Athleticism and Public Persona
While training is her top priority, Schmidt continues to juggle a busy life off the track.3
With over four million followers on Instagram, she is a prominent social media personality and fashion icon.
Her modeling work with top sportswear brands keeps her in the spotlight, and she often blends athletics with lifestyle content.
Despite the external demands, Schmidt has shown a remarkable ability to stay grounded. She frequently discusses the importance of mental health, staying motivated, and carving out time for rest and reflection.
For many young athletes, she represents a rare combination of world-class performance and relatability.
The Tactical Shift: Learning to Race the 800 Meters
Unlike the 400 meters, which is often an all-out sprint from start to finish, the 800 meters is a blend of pacing, patience, and timing.
Schmidt’s biggest adjustment has been learning how to conserve energy through the first lap and unleash her kick in the final 200 meters.
Working with Coach Petrac, she’s focusing on race simulation drills, pacing strategies, and lactate threshold training. These are vital for 800-meter runners, who operate in a unique zone of effort—somewhere between a sprinter’s burst and a distance runner’s efficiency.
Schmidt has also increased her mileage, now logging more weekly kilometers than ever before. Her recovery protocols have also evolved, incorporating more advanced techniques like cryotherapy, mobility work, and nutrition planning.
The Outdoor Season and First 800m Test
With her final camp winding down, Schmidt is preparing to test her progress in upcoming European meets.
Her first official 800-meter race of the season is expected to be a statement performance—one that signals her arrival in the new event and sets the tone for the rest of the year.
Her primary goal is to solidify a personal best in the 800 meters and gain qualifying standards for major championships, including the European Athletics Championships and World Championships.
A strong debut could position her as a serious contender in the event and possibly open doors for further international representation.
A New Identity in Track and Field
Alica Schmidt is no longer just a relay sprinter or an internet sensation—she is evolving into a well-rounded middle-distance runner. Her bold decision to pivot toward a more challenging event reflects her commitment to growth and excellence.
As the competition season nears, all eyes will be on how she handles the shift. For Schmidt, the 800 meters is more than just a new race—it’s a chance to redefine her legacy.
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Alica Schmidt: Racing Through Life on Two Tracks
Alica Schmidt, one of Germany’s most popular track athletes, is known not only for her incredible performances on the track but also for her vibrant presence in the world of fashion and social media.
Recently featured on the cover of Women’s Health (Germany), Schmidt has become an icon in the athletic and modeling worlds.
However, beneath the glamorous photoshoots and sprinting accolades lies a story of grit, financial struggle, and a daily balancing act between two demanding careers.
The Harsh Reality of Financial Struggles in Athletics
Despite her growing fame, Schmidt has revealed that the financial side of being a professional athlete is far from glamorous—especially in her home country of Germany.
In an interview with Olympics.com, she spoke candidly about the economic hardships that many athletes face.
“It’s not easy, especially in Germany, to live from athletics,” she said. “So a lot of athletes have to do another job to live from that and do the training.”
Track and field is a discipline that demands full-time dedication, but unlike athletes in some other sports, track stars often lack the financial support and sponsorship deals that allow them to train without worrying about money.
Schmidt’s honesty sheds light on a broader issue—one where the financial infrastructure for supporting athletes remains weak, even for those who perform on international stages.
Alica Schmidt: From Starting Blocks to Studio Lights
Juggling life as both an athlete and a model isn’t easy, but Schmidt has managed to carve a niche in both worlds.
The discipline she applies on the track translates well into her modeling career, where attention to detail and professionalism are just as vital.
“The training is, of course, the main focus and all other things come behind that,” Schmidt said. “But I also love to do some model jobs or take the people with me on social media. It’s a big hobby of mine and I love to do that.”
Modeling, once a side passion, has become a meaningful part of Schmidt’s identity.
Whether it’s working with fitness apparel brands or gracing magazine covers, she uses modeling to tell a story of strength, resilience, and style—all while remaining grounded in her primary passion: athletics.
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Discipline in Dual Roles
- Schmidt’s ability to maintain focus on her training while exploring opportunities in modeling is nothing short of impressive.
- The life of a sprinter requires early mornings, strict diets, intense workouts, and constant travel.
- Adding a second demanding job into the mix might overwhelm most people, but Schmidt has embraced the challenge.
- Her days are tightly scheduled, often filled with back-to-back commitments, from training sessions to photoshoots and media appearances.
- Yet, she finds a way to bring her best self to both roles, understanding the importance of discipline and time management.
- For Schmidt, modeling isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a platform to promote confidence, health, and athleticism.
- Her image as a fit, strong, and self-assured woman inspires millions, particularly young women navigating the pressures of social media and self-image.
- Being featured in fitness-focused publications like Women’s Health aligns with her personal philosophy.
- She isn’t just posing in designer gear; she’s using her visibility to advocate for body positivity, healthy living, and the power of persistence.
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