Alica Schmidt is pulling back the curtain on financial constraints athletes potentially face.
The German track and field star, who has been called the “world’s sexiest athlete,” detailed the struggles some competitors endure as they perfect their craft while trying to make ends meet.
“In principle, I have to say that it is not easy for most German track and field athletes to make a living from sport,” Schmidt said in a social media video, according to the Daily Mail.
“If we are in the squad, i.e. in the national team, we receive €700 (or $739) from Sporthilfe.”
Although some athletes receive “a small sum” from clubs, it’s “usually not enough to make a living from,” according to the 24-year-old Schmidt.
When looking at events, Schmidt — a 400m runner who made Germany’s Olympic team but did not compete at the 2020 Games — further explained, “You have travel and hotel costs that are not always covered.”
Schmidt said she is thankful for social media, where she boasts 4.7 million followers alone on Instagram, as another source of funding.
“I am grateful that I earn my money with social media and can save myself another part-time job,” said Schmidt, who “believes most of her peers have to study” or look for additional work, according to the Daily Mail.
Schmidt, whose TikTok following has exploded to two million, is currently looking ahead to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
In an Instagram post shared in late September, Schmidt wrote, “The goals are set, the plan is made, it’s time to get back to the grind 💯 Olympic season next year.”
Schmidt frequently posts photos from training sessions and competitions on social media, in addition to her travels and everyday ensembles.
