The German track and field star, dubbed the “world's sexiest athlete”, says she turned down big paychecks from “famous” sponsors despite earning little from competing.
Arika Schmidt, 25, who has millions of followers on social media, said she recently turned down a sponsorship that would have paid her thousands of dollars because the company didn't like her completely. Ta.
“Two months ago, I received an offer from a well-known brand. But I wasn't 100 percent behind it,” Schmidt said on the OMR podcast, according to German newspaper Bild.
“It's offensive. It would have been mid to high six figures. For a campaign.”
Schmidt's income comes from social media, sponsorships, partnerships and a small salary as a member of the German national team.
In October, she revealed that national team players are only paid about $739 a month in sponsorship deals streamlined through Sporthilfe, a German sports aid foundation that provides financial support to Germany's top athletes. revealed.
At the time, she also said that in addition to winning prize money in races, athletes can also receive prize money through their teams and organizations, such as Schmidt's SC Charlottenburg.
Currently enrolled in a distance learning course in media and communications management, Schmidt is also active in the modeling industry when she's not running or studying.
The influencer, who has a clothing line with fashion company Hugo Boss, walked the runway for the designer at Milan Fashion Week 2023.
Schmidt's Instagram, which boasts nearly 5 million followers, features images of the 25-year-old competing in running and track events, as well as paid partnership posts featuring campaigns with Boss.
The athlete, who participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with the national team but did not participate, is aiming to compete at this summer's Paris Games.
But her personal best is 52.8 seconds, so she needs to shave one second off her time.
“I have to push my limits every day. I often throw up after a workout because it hurts,” she said on the podcast.
“It’s also a great feeling when you accomplish something and push yourself and somewhere along the line you notice that progress.”
The German rose to fame in the fall of 2020 when she competed in a 400-meter race against soccer star Mats Hummels and easily won.
Schmidt was asked if he would beat other players in the race, including French star Kylian Mbappé.
“It's hard to say because it depends on the distance,” she said. “I'm not the fastest, so I don't have a chance in the 100 meters. But definitely in the 400 meters. I'm almost sure I can beat any footballer.”
