Tatjana Smith to Switch Sporting Allegiance to the Netherlands

South African double Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Smith has announced that she will change her sporting allegiance and compete for the Netherlands.

Smith made the announcement in a tearful video message posted on Instagram on Tuesday. She said the decision was linked to financial and practical challenges that can make it difficult to sustain a career in swimming.

“I’ve decided to swim for the Netherlands,” Smith said.

The 29-year-old holds dual citizenship with the Netherlands. She said she will continue training in South Africa while pursuing her goal of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

A decision shaped by identity and career sustainability

Smith acknowledged that her decision may not be understood or accepted by everyone in South Africa, where she has represented the country at the Olympic Games.

“Both countries are a part of who I am,” she said, describing the move as an opportunity to explore another part of her identity and Dutch heritage through sport.

Smith also said the Netherlands offered the prospect of greater high-performance support and a more sustainable career. She stressed that athletes need a system in which they can thrive rather than merely survive.

“But dreams can change as you grow,” Smith said.

Olympic record

Smith is regarded as South Africa’s most successful Olympic athlete. She won the 200-metre breaststroke at the Tokyo Games in 2021, when she competed under the name Tatjana Schoenmaker, and claimed the 100-metre breaststroke title at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

She also won silver medals in the 100-metre breaststroke at Tokyo and the 200-metre breaststroke at Paris, giving her four Olympic medals in total, including two golds.

Smith retired from competitive swimming after the Paris Olympics but announced a comeback two months ago. Her latest decision means she will now pursue her return to the sport while preparing for the possibility of representing the Netherlands at the Los Angeles Games.

The source report did not specify when Smith will first compete for the Netherlands or the formal process and effective date of the change in allegiance.