Alica Schmidt, the 25-year-old 400-meter runner, often hailed as the “world’s sexiest athlete” due to her social media presence, has gained widespread recognition.

Despite boasting a substantial Instagram following of 5 million, Schmidt maintains a modest monthly salary of approximately $739 as a member of the German national team, supported by the sports aid foundation Sporthilfe.

Alica Schmidt

While Schmidt supplements her income through social media and sponsorship collaborations, including a partnership with Puma, she emphasizes that she is discerning when considering endorsement offers.

Notably, she recently turned down a lucrative offer from a well-known brand, citing a misalignment with her values.

In a recent interview with the OMR podcast, Schmidt shared, “Two months ago I received an offer from a well-known brand. But I wasn’t 100 per cent behind it. I don’t feel comfortable with that. That would have been in the mid to high six figures. For a campaign.”

Schmidt’s athletic prowess includes winning medals in the 4×400 relay during her junior career and contributing to the German relay team’s fifth-place finish at the European Athletics Championships in 2022.

Beyond her achievements on the track, she made waves during the 2020-21 season as the fitness coach for German soccer club Borussia Dortmund, gaining viral attention for outrunning star defender Mats Hummels in a notable race.