Alica Schmidt, the 24-year-old German sprinter who has captivated millions with her athletic prowess and striking beauty, has recently added another impressive accolade to her already glittering resume. Schmidt, known to many as the “world’s sexiest athlete,” has been named to Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list, a testament to her remarkable success both on and off the track. While the world might focus on her beauty, Schmidt is determined to keep the focus where she believes it truly belongs: on her sport.
With 3.3 million Instagram followers and a rapidly growing social media empire, Schmidt’s influence extends far beyond the track. She has skillfully leveraged her athletic career into a successful modeling and influencer business, creating a brand that resonates with fans worldwide. Yet, despite her fame, wealth, and a nickname that has followed her since 2017, Schmidt remains grounded in her identity as an athlete. “It’s all about the sport,” she insists, even as the world seems intent on focusing on everything else.
Schmidt’s inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list is a reflection of her entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to transcend the traditional boundaries of sport. Forbes’ annual list highlights the most successful and innovative entrepreneurs under the age of 30, and Schmidt’s presence on this list underscores her dual success as both an athlete and a businesswoman. The combined wealth of this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 group is estimated to be over $1 billion, a staggering figure that Schmidt has contributed to through her diverse business ventures.
But despite her business acumen and social media success, Schmidt is quick to remind her followers and the media that her primary focus remains her athletic career. In a recent Instagram story shared with her devoted fanbase, Schmidt expressed her gratitude for being recognized by Forbes, stating, “This means so much to me.” However, she quickly followed up by reiterating that, for her, it’s always been “all about the sport.”
Schmidt’s journey to international fame began in 2017 when Australian magazine Busted Coverage dubbed her the “world’s sexiest athlete.” While the title brought her significant attention, it’s not one that Schmidt particularly values. In an interview with The Sun, she revealed her discomfort with the label, stating, “This title doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s based on a subjective opinion of someone else judging the appearance of a person. I like to think that beauty comes from the inside.”
Indeed, Schmidt’s focus has always been on her athletic achievements. As a 400-meter specialist, she has dedicated countless hours to training, pushing her body to its limits in pursuit of excellence. Despite the distractions that come with her celebrity status, Schmidt has never wavered in her commitment to her sport. “The training is, of course, the main focus and all other things come behind that,” she 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. But the main focus is sports.”
Schmidt’s ability to balance her athletic career with her social media and modeling ventures is a testament to her discipline and work ethic. She understands the importance of maintaining her brand, both as a means of securing sponsorships and as a way to inspire her followers. However, she is also acutely aware of the challenges that come with being in the public eye, particularly the negativity that can accompany such visibility.
Like many public figures, Schmidt has had to deal with her share of detractors and trolls. The criticism, often harsh and unfounded, could easily derail someone less focused. But Schmidt has developed a thick skin and a clear sense of purpose that allows her to brush off the negativity. “I think you just have to let the people talk whenever they want to,” she said. “There are always people who judge you. That’s part of the game and I’m happy that I have so many supporters along the way. I’m so, so grateful for that.”
For Schmidt, the opinions of others, whether positive or negative, are secondary to her own self-assessment. She is driven not by the need to prove herself to others but by a desire to prove her worth to herself. “I don’t feel like I have to prove anything to anyone. It’s just for me. I just want to prove to myself that I’m worth it,” she explained. “And I know that I work so hard for that, I know what I’m capable of and that I haven’t shown everything yet.”
As she prepares for the upcoming athletics season, Schmidt’s focus remains on her training and her goals on the track. Having recently qualified for the European Championships, she is determined to continue pushing herself to new heights in 2023. Her dedication to her sport, coupled with her business success, makes her a unique figure in the world of athletics—a true role model for young athletes everywhere.
Despite the attention that her beauty and social media presence bring, Schmidt’s heart lies in her sport. Her success on platforms like Instagram is merely a byproduct of her primary passion: running. She has managed to turn what others might see as a distraction into a valuable asset, using her platform to connect with fans, secure sponsorships, and promote a healthy, active lifestyle.
In many ways, Alica Schmidt represents a new generation of athletes who are as adept at building their personal brands as they are at excelling in their chosen sports. Her ability to navigate the demands of social media, modeling, and athletic training is a testament to her versatility and resilience. Yet, through it all, Schmidt remains true to her roots, never losing sight of the fact that her success stems from her dedication to her sport.
As she continues to train and compete, Schmidt’s star will undoubtedly continue to rise. Her inclusion on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list is just the latest in a series of accolades that reflect her multifaceted success. But for Alica Schmidt, the most important achievement will always be her performance on the track. In her own words, “It’s all about the sport,” and that is where she will continue to make her mark.
