South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, Tatjana Smith, tearfully announced her decision to switch allegiance to the Netherlands. The 29-year-old, who has won four Olympic medals, including two golds in breaststroke, plans to compete again after retiring post-Paris 2024 Games.
Having returned to the pool in September, Smith aims to compete in the 50m breaststroke at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where the event makes its debut. Reading a heartfelt letter addressed to South Africa, she remarked that “dreams can change as we grow.”
Smith holds dual citizenship through her Dutch father and expressed a desire to “explore another part of my identity and heritage” through sport. She cited the need for “greater high-performance support” and a more sustainable career as factors in her decision, highlighting the financial and practical difficulties that previously affected her swimming career.
The swimmer has previously mentioned financial strains, including a dispute with Swimming South Africa over prize money, as part of her reasons for stepping away from the sport. Swimming South Africa has been contacted for comment.
Between 2018 and 2023, Smith won four gold medals at the world and Commonwealth championships. At the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, she won gold in the 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m, then added more medals at the 2024 Games.
In a statement on social media, she reflected: “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. But dreams can change as we grow.”
Looking forward, she added: “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 plans to continue living and training in South Africa while representing the Netherlands starting at the short course World Championships from 1-6 December. She acknowledged that her decision might “disappoint or break the hearts” of some supporters.
The South African Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture is aware of the issues at Swimming South Africa and issued a statement saying, “The country was delighted to see her return to the pool, but South Africa does not own her. Tatjana’s choice belongs to her and it should not be turned into a political weapon.” Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, added, “Every medal, every record and every anthem she gave us belongs to our history forever. We now have to share her with the Netherlands.”
