Tatjana Smith switches international allegiance to the Netherlands after tearful announcement

Tatjana Smith, South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, announced on 11 November 2026 that she has switched her international allegiance to the Netherlands, wiping away tears as she read a letter addressed to South Africa.

Smith, 29, won four Olympic breaststroke medals—including two golds—before retiring after the Paris 2024 Games; she came out of retirement in September with the intention of competing in the 50m breaststroke as the event makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Smith said she holds dual citizenship because her father is Dutch and framed the change as a personal decision about identity and opportunity, writing that "I've always been Dutch and South African" and that the move is a chance to "explore another part of my identity and heritage that I've never experienced through sport".

She also cited practical considerations, saying the switch offers the "the potential to build a more sustainable career" because the "financial and practical challenges of swimming were among the reasons my previous career became difficult to sustain".

Smith has previously linked financial worries, including a dispute with Swimming South Africa over prize money, to her decision to step away from the sport; Swimming South Africa has been approached for comment. She said she will continue to live and train in South Africa and her maiden name is Schoenmaker.

Between 2018 and 2023 Smith claimed four world and Commonwealth gold medals and her Olympic record includes gold in the 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m at Tokyo 2021, followed by gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m at Paris 2024. "Representing South Africa was a childhood dream come true, and it's a chapter I will always look back on with immense pride and gratitude," she said on social media. "The people, the memories and everything we achieved together will always be part of me. But dreams can change as we grow. "This next chapter is about embracing another part of who I am, falling in love with the journey and discovering what more I'm capable of. "I'm excited for what lies ahead, and I truly hope you'll continue to be part of the journey with me."

Smith is scheduled to wear Dutch colours for the first time at the short course world championships from 1-6 December.