Olympic champion Tatjana Smith switches to swim for the Netherlands
South Africa's only Olympic gold medallist at the last two Games says athletes need the chance 'to thrive, not just survive'.
Johannesburg — Four-time Olympic medallist Tatjana Smith, formerly Schoenmaker, will represent the Netherlands from now on, she announced on 10 November. World Aquatics has confirmed the change of sporting nationality.
Smith, who holds South African and Dutch citizenship, was South Africa's only Olympic gold medallist at the last two Games. She won the 100m breaststroke in Paris in 2024.
"Representing South Africa at the Olympic Games was my biggest childhood dream. To have lived that dream and won four Olympic medals is something I will always treasure," she said. "Both South Africa and the Netherlands have always been part of who I am. I am deeply grateful to the South African swimming community, all my coaches, and to every South African who cheered me on."
In her statement, she said athletes need an "opportunity to thrive, not just survive." Daily Maverick reports that Swimming South Africa had withheld prize money from her.
Source: Daily Maverick, 10 November 2026.
