German track athlete Alica Schmidt faced disappointment after failing to qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo. This setback came after her underwhelming performance at the German Championships on August 2. Competing in the 800m race, Schmidt finished third in the heats, missing out on a spot in the finals with a run time of 2:06.47. Smilla Kolbe and Laura Wilhelm secured the top two spots with times of 2:05.78 and 2:06.44, respectively.
Schmidt took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the outcome, revealing that she had recently battled COVID, which affected her performance. She expressed frustration at not being able to showcase her best due to the illness. Despite the challenges, Schmidt remains focused on learning and growing, especially in tackling the 800m event.
The 26-year-old athlete had a challenging track season in 2025, transitioning to the 800m after competing in the 400m for most of her career. Her indoor season started on a low note with average finishes in Erfurt and Ostrava. While she did secure a second-place finish in the 4x200m short track at the German Indoors, individual success eluded her.
In outdoor events, Schmidt managed only one podium finish at a World Athletics category C event in Geneva. Her performances included a 5th place at the Ostrava Golden Spike and a 6th place at the Meeting Sport e Solidarieta Lignano. Despite the setbacks, Schmidt remains determined to bounce back and improve.
Alica Schmidt previously competed in the Women’s 4x400m and Mixed 4x400m events at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. While her mixed team finished 7th in the finals, the women’s team was eliminated in the heats after finishing sixth.
As Schmidt navigates the challenges of the 800m event and works towards regaining full health, she remains focused on her goals for the future. With a resilient spirit and a commitment to growth, Schmidt aims to make a strong comeback and continue her journey in track and field.
