South Africa’s most embellished Olympian Tatjana Smith was in tears as she introduced that she has switched her worldwide allegiance to the Netherlands.
The 29-year-old received 4 Olympic breaststroke medals, together with two golds, earlier than retiring after the Paris 2024 Video games.
She selected to come out of retirement in September, hoping to compete within the 50m breaststroke because the occasion makes its Olympic debut on the 2028 Video games in Los Angeles.
However Smith, whose maiden identify was Schoenmaker, wiped away tears as she learn a letter addressed to South Africa, saying that “desires can change as we develop”.
Smith has twin citizenship as a result of her father is Dutch and stated “I’ve at all times been Dutch and South African”, including that this is a chance to “discover one other a part of my id and heritage that I’ve by no means skilled via sport”.
She additionally stated it additionally provides her “the potential to construct a extra sustainable profession” as a result of the “monetary and sensible challenges of swimming had been among the many causes my earlier profession turned tough to maintain”.
Smith has beforehand stated that monetary worries, which included a dispute with Swimming South Africa over prize cash, contributed to her choice to step away from the game.
Swimming South Africa has been approached for remark.
Having initially chosen to symbolize the nation of her beginning, Smith claimed 4 world and Commonwealth gold medals between 2018 and 2023.
She received gold within the 200m breaststroke and 100m silver on the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, earlier than including 100m gold and 200m silver in 2024.
“Representing South Africa was a childhood dream come true, and it is a chapter I’ll at all times look again on with immense delight and gratitude,” she stated on social media., exterior
“The individuals, the recollections and every thing we achieved collectively will at all times be a part of me. However desires can change as we develop.
“This subsequent chapter is about embracing one other a part of who I’m, falling in love with the journey and discovering what extra I am able to.
“I am excited for what lies forward, and I really hope you will proceed to be a part of the journey with me.”
Smith stated she’s going to proceed to dwell and practice in South Africa and is about to symbolize the Dutch crew for the primary time on the brief course world championships from 1-6 December.
