Tearful Smith switches allegiance to the Netherlands
Summary
Tatjana Smith, South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, has switched her international allegiance to the Netherlands. The retired swimmer returned to training in September and hopes to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, saying the change also offers a chance to explore her Dutch heritage and build a more sustainable career.Key Facts
- Smith, 29, has dual citizenship through her Dutch father.
- She won four Olympic breaststroke medals: gold and silver at both the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Games.
- Smith retired after the Paris Olympics, then returned to the sport in September.
- She hopes to compete in the 50m breaststroke at the 2028 Olympics, when the event is set to make its Olympic debut.
- Smith said financial and practical challenges were among the reasons her previous swimming career became difficult to sustain.
- She will continue to live and train in South Africa.
- Smith is set to compete for the Netherlands at the short course world championships from 1–6 December.
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