German 400m runner Alica Schmidt, known for her athletic prowess and the title of “world’s sexiest athlete” bestowed upon her by Australian magazine Busted Coverage in 2017, has recently shed light on the meager income she earns from her track and field career. Despite her accomplishments at the world and European levels, including being part of the 4x400m relay squad for the 2020 Olympics, Schmidt’s financial situation as an athlete appears far from glamorous.
In a candid video shared on TikTok, Schmidt disclosed the financial realities faced by many track and field athletes in Germany. She emphasized the difficulty of making a decent living solely through sports. Schmidt revealed, “In principle, I have to say that it is not easy for most German track and field athletes to make a living from sport.” She continued, “If we are in the squad, i.e. in the national team, we receive €700 (£611) from Sporthilfe.”
For athletes striving to reach the pinnacle of their sport, the pursuit of excellence often entails considerable financial sacrifices. Schmidt highlighted that many athletes end up incurring additional expenses when entering competitions due to travel and hotel costs that aren’t consistently covered. As a result, maintaining a steady income from athletics alone proves challenging.
To make ends meet, most of Schmidt’s peers are compelled to pursue secondary endeavors, such as part-time jobs or further studies. For Schmidt, her social media presence has become a significant source of income. With 4.7 million followers on Instagram and an additional two million on TikTok, she has built a substantial online following.
Schmidt expressed her gratitude for the financial stability afforded by her social media presence, stating, “I am grateful that I earn my money with social media and can save myself another part-time job.” While she didn’t specify the exact amount she earns through her social media platforms, it’s evident that these avenues have provided her with financial security in addition to her athletic pursuits.
Despite being only 24 years old and still having her peak athletic years ahead of her, Schmidt is planning for her future. She is currently studying media and communications management, positioning herself for a successful career beyond her track and field endeavors.
Alica Schmidt’s story sheds light on the financial challenges faced by many athletes, even those who have reached the highest levels of competition. It underscores the importance of financial planning and secondary income sources for athletes striving to excel in their respective sports while securing their future livelihoods.
As the world celebrates the achievements of elite athletes, it’s crucial to remember the financial realities they contend with behind the scenes. Schmidt’s openness about her financial situation serves as a reminder that financial support and opportunities for athletes can be improved to ensure they receive fair compensation for their dedication and hard work.