Schmidt first represented Germany at a Summer Paralympics in 2008 at Beijing, where she competed in the javelin throw and shot put. It would take her another four years to achieve a Paralympic podium finish, when she won a bronze medal in 100 metres sprint at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London. As well as her Paralympic success, Schmidt has won medals at World and European Championships. At the World Championships she has performed the uncommon feat of medaling in a running, jumping and throwing event, with her best finish being the gold medal in the shot put at the 2013 World Championships in Lyon.