South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, Tatjana Smith, has switched sporting allegiance to the Netherlands after becoming emotional while explaining her decision.
The 29-year-old swimmer won four Olympic breaststroke medals, including two golds, before retiring after the Paris 2024 Games. She returned to competitive swimming in September and is now targeting the 50m breaststroke at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where the event will make its Olympic debut.
Smith, who previously competed under her maiden name Schoenmaker, broke down in tears while reading a letter addressed to South Africa. She said: “Dreams can change as we grow.”
She holds dual citizenship through her Dutch father and said she had always felt connected to both countries. The move, she explained, would allow her to explore another part of her identity and heritage through sport.
Better high-performance support and the possibility of a more sustainable career were also important factors.
“The financial and practical challenges of swimming were among the reasons my previous career became difficult to sustain,” Smith said.
She has previously discussed financial pressures, including a dispute with Swimming South Africa over prize money, which contributed to her decision to retire. Swimming South Africa has been approached for comment.
Smith will continue to live and train in South Africa. She is expected to make her debut for the Netherlands at the short-course World Championships, scheduled for December 1-6.
In a social media statement, Smith reflected on her career representing her country.
“Representing South Africa was a childhood dream come true, and it’s a chapter I will always look back on with immense pride and gratitude,” she said.
“The people, the memories and everything we achieved together will always be part of me. But dreams can change as we grow.
“This next chapter is about embracing another part of who I am, falling in love with the journey and discovering what more I’m capable of.
“I’m excited for what lies ahead, and I truly hope you’ll continue to be part of the journey with me.”
Smith acknowledged that some South African supporters might feel let down, saying she understood the decision “may disappoint or break the hearts” of some people.
South Africa’s Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said it respected her choice, while recognising the challenges within Swimming South Africa.
“The country was delighted to see her return to the pool, but South Africa does not own her,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Tatjana’s choice belongs to her and it should not be turned into a political weapon.”
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie also praised Smith’s contribution to South African sport.
“Every medal, every record and every anthem she gave us belongs to our history forever. We now have to share her with the Netherlands,” he said.
Smith won four world and Commonwealth gold medals between 2018 and 2023. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021, she won gold in the 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m.
She claimed another gold in the 100m breaststroke and silver in the 200m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, confirming her status as South Africa’s most decorated Olympian.
