South Africa Wishes Tatjana Smith Well After Netherlands Switch

The South African government has wished Olympic swimming champion Tatjana Smith well following her decision to represent the Netherlands in future international competitions.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said Smith’s decision was a personal choice that should be respected, adding that her achievements would remain part of South Africa’s sporting history.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, the department confirmed that Smith had informed McKenzie of her decision before making it public.

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The minister thanked her for the courtesy and wished her success in the next chapter of her swimming career.

Smith, 29, holds dual citizenship through her Dutch father.

She announced her decision in an emotional letter addressed to South Africa, explaining that the move would allow her to explore another part of her identity and heritage.

She also cited the prospect of better high-performance support and a more sustainable career as factors behind the decision.

“The financial and practical challenges of swimming were among the reasons my previous career became difficult to sustain,” Smith said.

The swimmer previously raised concerns about financial pressures in the sport, including a dispute with Swimming South Africa over prize money.

The federation has been approached for comment.

Tatjana Smith (News Central TV) — Tatjana Smith won a gold and silver medal at each of the past two Olympics. Credit: BBC.

Smith retired after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games but returned to competitive swimming in September. She is targeting the 50m breaststroke at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where the event will make its debut.

She won four Olympic medals for South Africa, including two golds. Her victories came in the 200m breaststroke at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and the 100m breaststroke at the Paris Games in 2024. She also claimed silver in both the 100m and 200m events across the two competitions.

The ministry said Smith had been honoured twice at the South African Sport Awards, including receiving prize money in recognition of her achievements.

McKenzie said the department recognised the significance of her contribution to South African sport.

“Nothing can erase what Tatjana has achieved for South Africa,” he said.

“Every medal, every record and every anthem she gave us belongs to our history forever. We now have to share her with the Netherlands.”

The department also addressed concerns about Swimming South Africa, saying it was aware of problems within the federation, including issues raised by athletes.

According to the ministry, the challenges are being addressed through an ongoing reform process that includes oversight from World Aquatics. It added that it would continue monitoring the process.

The ministry also explained that national sporting federations operate independently of government, with their own boards and international governing bodies. While federations receiving government funding must account for the money, the department said it does not manage their operations or cover all their expenses.

Smith will continue to live and train in South Africa despite her change in sporting allegiance.

She is expected to represent the Netherlands for the first time at the short-course World Championships from 1 to 6 December.

McKenzie said he believed the swimmer could still play an important role in South Africa’s future and wished her continued success.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.