Who is ‘the world’s sexist athlete’ Alica Schmidt – and what is her bizarre pre-race slapping routine?

Alica Schmidt has made headlines recently after she was selected to participate at the European Championships 2022.

The star broke down in tears after being selected to represent Germany in front of a home crowd in Munich.

The athlete has previously been referred to as ‘the world’s sexiest athlete’ for her gorgeous blonde locks and killer physique.

But who is Alica Schmidt and what is her bizarre pre-race routine?

Who is Alica Schmidt?

Alica Schmidt is a 23-year-old runner from Germany. She was born on November 8, 1998 in Worms and she soon discovered her love for running.

Alica began her running career by competing in 200 metres, 400 metres, and 800 metres running events.

In 2018, she moved on to 400m and 400m hurdles events, training at MTV Ingolstadt in Bavaria.

Alica’s career triumphs

Alica went on to compete in the 2017 European Athletics U20 Championships as a part of the German 4×400 metres relay team that finished in second place.

The German athlete then started training at SC Potsdam after moving to Brandenburg for personal reasons.

Ahead of the 2019 athletics season, she joined SCC Berlin and was part of the German team that came third in the 4×400 metres relay event at the 2019 European Athletics U23 Championships.

In the same year, she came in third place in the under-23s 400m event at the German Athletics Championships.

Alica endured a difficult time at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, last month when she took part in the 4x400m mixed relay.

The relay resulted in her quartet missing out on the final after finishing fifth in their heat.

What is her pre-race routine?

Alica has a bizarre routine that she swears by ahead of every major race.

The runner’s pre-race routine includes slapping herself a number of times before the starter’s pistol goes.

The athlete is committed to her pre-race ritual where she starts by slapping her cheeks, then above her chest and finally on her thighs.

The star performed her pre-race routine ahead of the 400m at the European Championships on Tuesday, August 16.

In an interview with German outlet Sport1 ahead of the event, she said: “I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere at the stadium and to compete myself knowing that my friends and family will be cheering me on at the stadium.”

Sadly, Alica came last in the race, with many fans stating that an outfit change was to blame.

In Monday’s qualifying race, she donned a yellow and black leotard, but that onesie was ditched in favour of a vest-and-trunks combo for Tuesday’s semi-final.

“Don’t mess with good juju Alica,” read one recommendation from Barstool Sports, questioning the mid-competition change.

Sports media company Outkick suggested Schmidt was “playing with fire” by switching up her apparel, calling her decision to change a winning formula “inexplicable.”

Now, the athlete will focus on earning a place in Germany’s squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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