Olympic Champion Tatjana Smith Switches Allegiance From South Africa to Netherlands

South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, Tatjana Smith, has announced her decision to switch sporting allegiance to the Netherlands, breaking down in tears as she explained the reasons behind the move.

The 29-year-old swimming star, who won four Olympic medals, including two golds, retired after the Paris 2024 Games but returned to competitive swimming in September with ambitions of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Smith, formerly known as Tatjana Schoenmaker, hopes to compete in the 50m breaststroke, which will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Games.

In an emotional message addressed to South Africa, Smith said her decision reflected a desire to explore another part of her identity and heritage, noting that she holds dual citizenship through her Dutch father.

"I have always been Dutch and South African, and this is an opportunity to explore another part of my identity and heritage that I've never experienced through sport," she said.

She also cited improved access to high-performance support and the opportunity to build a more sustainable swimming career as reasons for the switch.

According to Smith, financial and practical challenges associated with the sport contributed to the difficulties she experienced during her previous career.

The swimmer had earlier spoken about financial concerns, including a dispute with Swimming South Africa over prize money, as factors that influenced her decision to retire.

Reflecting on her time representing South Africa, Smith said it remained one of the proudest chapters of her life.

"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."

She added that her next chapter would focus on embracing another part of her identity and discovering what more she could achieve in swimming.

Smith acknowledged that her decision could disappoint some South African supporters but expressed hope that they would continue supporting her career.

Despite switching allegiance, she will continue to live and train in South Africa.

She is expected to make her first appearance for the Netherlands at the short-course World Championships scheduled for December 1 to 6.

Smith established herself as one of the world's leading breaststroke swimmers, winning four world and Commonwealth gold medals between 2018 and 2023.

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021, she won gold in the women's 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m event.

She added another gold medal in the 100m breaststroke and silver in the 200m at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Reacting to her decision, South Africa's Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said it was aware of the challenges within Swimming South Africa.

The ministry said the country was pleased to see Smith return to competitive swimming but stressed that her decision should be respected.

"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," the ministry said.

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie also paid tribute to the swimmer, saying her achievements would remain part of South Africa's sporting history.

"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.

Swimming South Africa has been approached for comment.