South Africa’s Olympic swimming champion, Tatjana Smith, has bowed out of the sport, after clinching silver in the 200 meters breaststroke in a time of 2:19.60 at the Paris Olympics.
The win makes her the country’s most decorated Olympian, in her 22-year career as a swimmer.
The 27-year-old has now won two golds and two silvers in the past two Olympics, and despite previously indicating that she would only focus on short-course championships, Smith said this was her last race.
“No, I’m done.
I’m officially done.
It’s a relief, but I definitely know I’m probably going to miss it tomorrow (Friday) going to miss it. It’s been a big part of my life.
It’s 22 years I’ve been swimming and it’s been a big part of my family’s life,” said Smith after the race.
She described the race, which was won by United States Kate Douglass in a time of 2:19:24, as fierce.
“The goal for the final was to execute the race as well as possible.
“In the semifinal I tried to rush the stroke in the last 20 metres because it was an intense battle we were fighting, and I lost my stroke there.
So, the only goal for the final was to stay calm, carry on with my stroke and be confident and the results would play out as they should.
It was an amazing battle, and it is great to see new people coming through.
I’d never raced against Kate in an Olympic final,” said an excited silver medallist.
Smith adds it is the best time to bow out and happy that she managed to bring joy to many people.
“I love competing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my career in a very tough battle.
It’s never been about that, achievements always fall away.
You want to be remembered for who you are.
I hope that I’m remembered for bringing people joy, and telling the story that swimming is just a part of a season in your life, there’s so much more than swimming.
I’m excited to leave life,” said Smith.
