Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Tatjana Smith Breaks Down in Tears as South African Olympic Champion Switches Allegiance to Netherlands

Posted : 11 November 2026

South Africa's most decorated Olympian, Tatjana Smith, has announced that she will represent the Netherlands in international swimming, becoming emotional as she revealed her decision in a social media video.

The 29-year-old, who won four Olympic medals, including two golds, explained that her Dutch heritage, the opportunity to explore another part of her identity and the prospect of improved high-performance support influenced the move.

Smith, formerly known as Tatjana Schoenmaker, retired after the Paris 2024 Olympics but returned to competitive swimming in September with ambitions of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

She won 200m breaststroke gold and 100m silver at the Tokyo Olympics before adding 100m gold and 200m silver in Paris, establishing herself as South Africa's most successful Olympic athlete.

The swimmer also pointed to the financial and practical difficulties of sustaining her career in South Africa, including previous concerns involving prize money and support from Swimming South Africa.

 Although she will compete under the Dutch flag, Smith intends to remain based in South Africa and continue training with her existing team.

Smith is expected to make her first international appearance for the Netherlands at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Beijing, China, from December 1 to 6.

South Africa's Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, acknowledged her contribution to the country's sporting history, saying her medals and achievements would always remain part of its legacy.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :