Alica Schmidt's sad announcement after brutal Olympic Games snub
German runner Alica Schmidt has revealed she is taking a break from athletics after not getting a run at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
There was immense hype around Schmidt heading into the Games after she was dubbed the 'World's Sexiest Athlete' by a number of publications in recent years.
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But despite being on Germany's track team at the Olympics, Schmidt never got a run.
The 22-year-old was overlooked for both the women's and mixed 4x400m relay teams and spent her two weeks in Tokyo watching the action on TV.
Schmidt had run a personal best time in the lead-up to the Games, but was disappointed not to be given a chance to show her stuff on the global stage.
On Tuesday, the German athlete revealed she will now step away from the sport for a brief period.
“Not gonna lie, I’m not satisfied with my races this year,” she posted.
“I’ve worked harder than ever before day in day out pushed my limits in every workout and made so many sacrifices.
"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.
“Now, I’m going to take a break and I’m looking forward to coming back feeling fresh and ready to train hard again.”
Alica Schmidt thanks fans for their support
Schmidt had previously thanked fans for their support despite her Olympics heartache.
“I’m so grateful for all of the love and support that I have been receiving on this journey,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Now I can’t wait to cheer on my girls today and hope that we can make it into the Olympic final."
The 22-year-old still admitted she enjoyed her Olympic experience in Tokyo and was looking to make it back to the pinnacle of sport.
“I couldn’t be more thankful for all the experiences I have already made during my time in Tokyo," she said.
“I’ve been able to learn so many things and can’t wait where my athletic career will take me in the upcoming years.”
If there was one positive out of Schmidt's Olympics disappointment, it came on social media.
The 22-year-old managed to gain 500,000 new followers on Instagram during the Games, taking her following past 2.5 million.
Schmidt was a star at junior level and won silver in the 4x400 relay at the Under-20 European Championships in 2017.
She also won bronze in the same event at the Under-23 European Championships in 2019.
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