"My biggest dream came true" Germany's Alica Schmidt reacts to qualifying for her second consecutive Olympic Games

Germany's Alica Schmidt has officially made it to her second consecutive Olympic Games. The sprinter will be running in Paris as part of the mixed or women's 4x400m relay team.

In May earlier this year, Schmidt and her 4x400m mixed relay teammates Manuel Sanders, Emil Agyekum, and Johanna Martin assured Germany of a quota in the event at the Paris Games. However, given that an NOC is responsible for choosing who heads to the Olympics regardless of who earned the spot, Schmidt’s Olympic berth was in question up until now.

On Friday, July 5, the German Athletics Association unveiled its roster for the upcoming Games, adding 70 athletes to the list. The German track and field contingent for Pairs is now 76 people large, with a six-member marathon team having been named in May.

Alica Schmidt was one of the athletes listed in the press release. Taking to Instagram, the sprinter expressed her emotions in a detailed note, writing that the thought of going to Paris had been her motivation for many years now.

“I'm going to the Olympics! 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. No matter how big your dreams are, if you stay committed and believe in yourself, good things will come your way.”

Schmidt then went on to thank her family, coach, medical team and sponsors:

“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 teammates, 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.”

Alica Schmidt at the Tokyo Olympics

While the Paris Olympics mark the second time Alica Schmidt has been named an Olympian, it will be the first time she gets to run at the Games.

In 2021, the 25-year-old had been named to the team but wasn't chosen to run either the prelims or the finals. In the finals, Germany was disqualified after making contact with Jamaica.

This means that the Paris Olympics will most likely mark the first time Alica Schmidt takes to the track for an Olympic race. While Germany has qualified for the Games, they will face some difficult competition to make it to the podium or even the finals.

Favorites for the win are currently the likes of Team USA and the Netherlands, both of whom will likely feature individual World Champions on their team.