South Africa’s most-decorated Olympian, Tatjana Smith, has opened up about the reasons behind her decision to switch international allegiance from South Africa to the Netherlands ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The two-time Olympic champion acknowledged that her decision could disappoint South African supporters, but explained that access to better financial and high-performance support played an important role in determining her future in competitive swimming.
In an emotional video message shared on Instagram, Smith said the move would give her a better opportunity to sustain her swimming career while pursuing another Olympic dream.
“The reality is that this opportunity also offers greater high-performance support and the potential to build a more sustainable career,” she said.
She explained that financial and practical difficulties had contributed to the challenges she experienced towards the end of her previous swimming career.
Smith retired from competitive swimming after the 2024 Paris Olympics but announced her return to the sport two months ago, with the intention of competing at the 2028 Olympic Games.
She said she wanted to make different choices this time to protect her passion for swimming and give herself the best possible opportunity to succeed.
Smith acknowledges disappointment among South African supporters
Smith recognised that changing her sporting allegiance could be difficult for some South Africans to accept, particularly given her remarkable achievements under the national flag.
“I have always been both Dutch and South African – both countries are a part of who I am – but sport requires you to choose one to represent,” she explained.
The swimmer said her decision to represent South Africa at the beginning of her career was one she would always treasure.
She also stressed that switching allegiance would not diminish the memories, achievements and pride associated with representing her country.
Smith will continue living and training in South Africa despite competing internationally for the Netherlands.
A remarkable Olympic legacy
Smith, formerly known as Tatjana Schoenmaker, made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she won gold in the 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m breaststroke.
She continued her success at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning gold in the 100m breaststroke and silver in the 200m event.
Her four Olympic medals, including two golds, made her South Africa’s most successful Olympic athlete by total medal count.
Swimmer Chad le Clos has also won four Olympic medals, although Smith has more gold medals.
Concerns about South Africa’s sporting system
Smith’s decision has also brought renewed attention to the financial and structural challenges facing professional swimming in South Africa.
She previously raised concerns about the support available to athletes and became involved in a legal dispute with Swimming South Africa over interest on prize money that had reportedly been withheld following the 2023 World Championships.
The Olympic champion believes athletes should have access to systems that allow them to develop and perform at the highest level without constantly struggling with financial and practical obstacles.
“I chose South Africa at the beginning of my career because I wanted to prove what was possible, even when the system didn’t make it easy. And I did,” she said.
“But I also believe our athletes deserve a system that gives them an opportunity to thrive, not just survive.”
Looking towards Los Angeles 2028
Smith’s decision marks a significant new chapter in her swimming career.
Although she will no longer compete under South Africa’s green and gold at the Olympics, she intends to continue training in the country while preparing to represent the Netherlands.
Her announcement has sparked wider conversations about athlete welfare, financial support and the challenges faced by elite South African sportspeople.
For Smith, the priority appears to be securing a sustainable future in the sport she loves while giving herself another opportunity to compete for Olympic glory in Los Angeles in 2028.