ALICA SCHMIDT broke down in tears after she was named in the Forbes 30 under 30 list.
The "World's sexiest athlete" has grown her profile through her on-track activities and her presence as an influencer online.
The German runner - who is widely described at the World's sexiest athlete - found out the news on her birthday.
Schmidt revealed that she was told by her manager and that it was a "special moment" in her life.
She told Gala: "The list was published on my birthday and when my manager called me to say I was in it brought tears to my eyes.
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"It was a special moment in my life."
People on the Forbes 30 under 30 list are judged to be changing the world in their respective area.
In the same interview, the 24-year-old admitted that she is aiming to compete in the Paris Olympics in 2024.
When asked if she would still be competing in ten years time, Schmidt added: "Then I'll be 34 years old and I think it will be difficult to continue doing competitive sports.
"As of now, I want to do sports until 2028.
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"My goal is the Olympic Games in Paris next year – and then we'll see.
"The most important thing is of course that I stay healthy until then and don't lose the fun in sport.
"I leave everything else open and see where it takes me."
