Alica Schmidt’s Olympics run didn’t result in a medal, but the German track and field star “was able to learn a lot” during her time in Paris.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Schmidt — long dubbed the “world’s sexiest athlete” — reflected on the “emotional rollercoaster” that was the Paris Games, where a teammate seemingly threw shade her way.
“The Olympics are not just about winning medals. 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,” Schmidt, 25, began.
“The past weeks were an emotional rollercoaster and I was able to learn a lot. 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!”
Schmidt, who shared parts of her Olympics experience with her 5.7 million Instagram followers, found herself at the center of team discord last week after being selected to compete in the mixed 4×400-meter relay.
Germany placed seventh and was eliminated from the preliminary round — which seemingly irked teammate Luna Bulmahn.
“Yes, I am the second fastest 400m athlete on paper. No, I was not nominated for the mixed relay,” Bulmahn wrote on social media, according to The Sun.
Bulmahn’s boyfriend, German sprinter Jean Paul Bredau, appeared to express disappointment over the decision-making.
“Not everything went perfectly beforehand. That’s why I didn’t have the energy,” said Bredau, who also ran in the second heat.
“A few decisions were made that not everyone approved. The DLV [German Athletics Association] made it very clear: the fastest four should run. A different decision was made.”
Bredau is said to have “walked back and apologized for his comments,” according to News.com.au, while Bulmahn was pulled from the women’s 4×400-meter relay.
“Relays are a team sport. The athletes and coaches form this team. Success depends on good teamwork and mutual trust among all,” the DVL said in their statement.
The women’s 4×400-meter relay team for Germany finished seventh in the second heat last Friday.
Germany ultimately earned 33 medals at the 2024 Olympics, 12 of them gold, 13 silver and eight bronze.
Schmidt, who represented Germany but did not compete at the Tokyo Games in 2021, concluded Wednesday’s post with an encouraging message about chasing Olympic dreams.
“Everyone who knows sport is aware that it takes a village getting there and all athletes can be so proud of themselves for making the team! And to those athletes who didn‘t make it to Paris this year, never stop believing in yourself,” she wrote. “It‘s a bumpy road and one day all your hard work will eventually pay off!”
The 2028 Olympics will take place in Los Angeles.
