Erling Haaland has become one of the biggest names in the world of soccer. Since joining Manchester City last season, the Norwegian has been on a goal-scoring spree, continuing it this season with two goals in two Premier League matches. However, his latest challenge comes from an unexpected source – sprinter Alica Schmidt, also known as the “World’s Sexiest Athlete”.
Schmidt, a German athlete and model, boasts an impressive following of 4.3 million on Instagram. But she is more than just a pretty face as she has won two European medals at the junior level in the 4x400m relay races. Recently, the sprinter issued a fascinating challenge to the City star Haaland for a race.
Alica Schmidt wants to race Erling Haaland
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Intriguingly, Alica Schmidt has a past connection to Haaland from his time at Borussia Dortmund. Schmidt served as their fitness coach during the 2020/21 season, which adds a captivating element to this challenge. Schmidt issued the challenge during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where she proudly represents Germany.
In an interview following her 4×400 mixed relay race, Schmidt was asked if she could beat Haaland in a race. Her response was confident, yet cautious. The 24-year-old replied, “Ouhh. I do not know. Maybe. I think that at 400 meters I would do it. But at 200 meters I think it would be tougher. But I would gladly take that duel against Haaland,” the athlete further added.
This matchup between Haaland and Schmidt could be a striking spectacle. Schmidt’s personal best in the 400 meters stands at an impressive 52.18 seconds. She possesses incredible speed and endurance, which are the essential qualities for success in longer sprints. On the other hand, Haaland is renowned for his explosiveness and agility on the pitch.
Last season, he recorded a staggering top speed of 22.5mph and netted an impressive 52 goals across all competitions. The idea of a race between a soccer superstar and a track athlete may seem unconventional, but it adds an element of excitement to both sports. Also, it is not the first time Schmidt has challenged a soccer star to a race.
The ‘World Sexiest Athlete’ and her challenges to soccer stars
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In 2020, Alica Schmidt demonstrated her athletic prowess when she challenged German defender Mat Hummels to a 400m race. People captured the race on video and uploaded it to Schmidt’s YouTube channel, showcasing her impressive speed as she triumphed over the 32-year-old Hummels.
Another notable figure that Schmidt has challenged is Brazilian superstar Neymar. During the launch of a new electric car in Berlin last year, Neymar and the German runner posed for photos together. Schmidt even engaged her fans with a poll on her Instagram story, asking if they would like to see their duel. Although the race with Neymar never materialized, we remain hopeful that the challenge against Haaland will come to fruition.
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Who do you think will win in the race between both athletes? Let us know in the comments.