Tatjana Smith switches sporting nationality to the Netherlands
The two-time Olympic swimming champion will represent the Netherlands at the 2028 Los Angeles Games while continuing to live and train in South Africa.
Tatjana Smith, South Africa’s most successful Olympian, has announced she will compete for the Netherlands, citing difficulties sustaining her swimming career. World Aquatics confirmed the change in her sporting nationality.
Smith, who is a citizen of both countries, said in an emotional social media message that representing South Africa had been an honor. She acknowledged that some people would disagree with her choice, but said financial and practical pressures could make a swimming career hard to maintain.
She said the Netherlands would provide more support and help her pursue a more sustainable career. Smith will continue living in South Africa and training with her existing team.
The swimmer has raised concerns about athlete welfare, challenging Swimming South Africa over prize money that had been withheld and restrictions on commercial opportunities during competition.
Smith’s Olympic record includes gold in the 100 breaststroke in Paris in 2024 and the 200 breaststroke at the Tokyo Games, held in 2021, when she competed as Tatjana Schoenmaker. She also earned silver in Tokyo’s 100 event and Paris’s 200 event.
After retiring following the Paris Olympics, Smith announced her return to competitive swimming two months before announcing the nationality switch.
