The woman dubbed the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’ has called out Manchester City star Erling Haaland to a race – after thrashing a World Cup winner.
Alica Schmidt, who has won two junior European medals in the 4x400m relay, doubles as a model, has 4.3million followers on social media site Instagram and is on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Norwegian hotshot Haaland hit an incredible 52 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions last season as City won the treble, aided by his impressive pace, power and acceleration, which saw him clocked at over 22.5mph last season.
But Schmidt, 24, who competed for Germany at the ongoing World Championships in Budapest, reckons she can beat the explosive striker in her preferred 400metres event – though admits she would find it ‘more difficult’ over 200m.
She recently set a personal best over 400m of 52.18 seconds (averaging around 17mph), and has backed herself against Haaland.
German sprinter Alica Schmidt (above) has challenged Erling Haaland to a 400metre race
Schmidt was dubbed the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’ and has 4.3million followers on Instagram
Her Germany team reached the final of the 4x400m mixed relay at the World Championships
The German sprinter backed herself over her preferred 400m but admitted 200m would be ‘more difficult’ against the Manchester City striker, who was clocked at 22mph last season
When asked by Norwegian outlet Dagbladet if she could beat him in a race, the 24-year-old replied: ‘Hmm, I don’t know – maybe. I think, on 400m, yes. On 200m, it would be more difficult. But I would be happy if the race takes place.’
She was then quizzed on when the race might happen, and replied: ‘I don’t know, I have to ask him. But I’m always ready.’
Schmidt, whose Germany team came seventh in the 4x400m mixed relay final last week, then turned to the camera before adding: ‘So, Haaland, if you’re ready to race, I would be happy. Let’s see who’s faster!’
Schmidt previously took on 2014 World Cup winner and Borussia Dortmund centre back Mats Hummels in a similar race two years ago, and won in comfortable fashion.
The World Cup-winning defender fell to the ground out of breath after the race before telling Schmidt she ‘makes it look so easy’, though he was 32 at the time and has never been known for his pace, so Haaland would likely be a better challenge.
In 2017, Australian magazine Busted Coverage named Alica the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’. However, speaking to The Sun, Alica revealed she didn’t like the title.
‘This title doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s based on a subjective opinion of someone else judging the appearance of a person. I like to think that beauty comes from the inside,’ she said.
The striker has had a mixed start to the new season, scoring a brace against Burnley in the opening game before failing to register in a tense 1-0 win over Newcastle. Pep Guardiola’s side will next be in action against Sheffield United on Sunday.
Aside from sprinting, the 24-year-old German was named on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list last year
She defeated Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels in a 400m race two years ago
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