‘World’s sexiest athlete’ finishes second behind 17-year-old at the German national championships after winning relay gold, as she targets a place at this year’s Paris Olympics

A German track star dubbed “the sexiest athlete in the world” finished second in the 400 meters at the national indoor championships in Leipzig last weekend.

With the Paris Olympics less than six months away, athletes are looking to peak at the right time and the indoor season is already underway.

In Germany, the women’s 400 meters were held on Sunday and won by 17-year-old rising star Johanna Martin.

She took the victory in 52.71 seconds and second place went to Alica Schmidt, who crossed the finish line in 52.95 seconds.

Schmidt, 25, described as the “world’s sexiest athlete” by Australian magazine Busted Coverage in 2017, has become a big name in athletics, thanks in part to her large following on social media.

Last year he revealed that he relies heavily on Instagram and TikTok for income, after claiming he earns just £600 when competing for his country.

Schmidt has 5 million followers on Instagram and 2 million on TikTok.

He also spoke earlier this month about turning down a six-figure sponsorship deal because he didn’t fully support the brand, despite his modest salary for competing on the track.

However, his athletic career seems to be going from strength to strength, as he claimed a silver medal behind Martin.

Schmidt was also part of the SCC Berlin team that won the 4×200 m relay at the national championships.

Schmidt reflects on his performance in Leipzig: “I know what my competition can do. We are all in a very good mood and in the end I am happy that things are moving forward. Also in the 400 m.’

Schmidt traveled to the Tokyo Olympics three years ago as an alternate in the mixed relay, but did not have the opportunity to run.

However, he could be in line to compete on the sport’s biggest stage this summer, and he didn’t hurt his chances at all with his performances at the national indoor championships.

Schmidt went viral last year when he challenged Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to a race after previously defeating Borussia Dortmund and German defender Mats Hummels two years earlier.

Haaland is considered one of the fastest runners in the Premier League after reaching a top speed of more than 35km/h last season, but has yet to accept Schmidt’s call-up.