German track star Alica Schmidt was brought to tears upon learning she had made the 2024 Olympics roster.
In a newly shared TikTok video, Schmidt — dubbed the “world’s sexiest athlete” by various outlets — can be seen wiping away tears upon learning her fate for the Paris Games.
“When you get the call that you’ve made the Olympic team,” the text read over Schmidt’s video, which has been viewed more than 1.1 million times.
Schmidt, who qualified in May for the Paris Games while competing in the mixed 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas, posted a separate message on Instagram this weekend, calling the opportunity the “biggest dream” come true.
“My biggest dream came true! In just one month, I will be in Paris, creating memories that will last a lifetime. This thought has been my motivation every single day for several years now, reminding me of why it is important to never give up on my goals and to put in the work,” she wrote.
“No matter how big your dreams are, if you stay committed and believe in yourself, good things will come your way.”
Schmidt then took a moment to thank her loved ones and her team “for believing in me and supporting my journey as an athlete.”
“A big thank you to my family who always have my back and support me no matter what, to @marcello_h without him I wouldn‘t be where I‘m at right now. My coach Sven Buggel for being the mastermind in training, @noir.boutiquegym for pushing my limits in the weights room. Big thank you to my team mates, for making this journey so much more fun!! My medical team who keep me healthy and of course a big thank you to all my sponsors for believing in me and supporting my journey as an athlete. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she added in her post.
Schmidt traveled to Tokyo for the Summer Games in 2021 but did not compete.
She announced her plans to take a “break” from the sport shortly after, revealing struggles with COVID-19 and injuries during the 2021 season.
“It was not an easy year with my Covid Infection and torn ligaments but nevertheless, I know what I am capable of and I‘m hungry for more,” Schmidt posted on Instagram in August 2021.
“Now, I’m going to take a break and I’m looking forward to coming back feeling fresh and ready to train hard again.”
With the Olympics now just a few weeks away, Schmidt — a social media juggernaut who boasts 7.2 million followers between her Instagram and TikTok pages — recently opened up to Women’s Health about her mindset entering competitions.
“It doesn’t work without nervousness, it’s part of it,” Schmidt replied when asked, “Aren’t you nervous anymore?”
“If I go into a competition and I’m not nervous, it won’t go well. I remind myself that I did everything I could in preparation to be in top shape on the day. And if it doesn’t work out, so be it, because I couldn’t have done anything better. Sooner or later the time will come when it will pay off. That’s why I deal with pressure in a positive way.”
The Paris Olympics begin July 26 and run through Aug. 11.