South African swimmer Tatjana Smith switches allegiance to Netherlands
Summary
Tatjana Smith, South Africa’s most decorated Olympic athlete, says she will compete for the Netherlands after returning from retirement and targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She cited financial and practical challenges in sustaining a swimming career and said the move would offer more high-performance support, while she continues training in South Africa.Key Facts
- Smith won gold in the 100-metre breaststroke at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 200-metre breaststroke at the Tokyo Games held in 2021.
- She also won silver medals in the 100-metre breaststroke at Tokyo and the 200-metre breaststroke in Paris.
- Smith holds dual citizenship with the Netherlands.
- She retired after the Paris Olympics and announced her comeback two months ago, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a target.
- Smith said she understands that some South African supporters may be disappointed by her decision.
- She said she will keep training in South Africa.
- Fellow South African swimmer Chad le Clos also has four Olympic medals, including one gold.
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