Tatjana Smith switches allegiance from South Africa to the Netherlands

Tatjana Smith, South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, has switched her international allegiance to the Netherlands, saying the move could help her build a more sustainable swimming career. She will continue to live and train in South Africa and is due to represent the Dutch team for the first time at the short-course world championships in December.

The 29-year-old announced the decision in an emotional letter to South Africa. Smith, whose father is Dutch, said she had “always been Dutch and South African” and wanted to explore more of her heritage through sport.

She won four Olympic breaststroke medals, including gold in the 200m at Tokyo 2020 and in the 100m at Paris 2024. She retired after the Paris Games but returned to training in September, targeting the 50m breaststroke at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where the event will make its Olympic debut.

Smith said financial and practical difficulties had contributed to her earlier decision to step away from swimming. She has previously spoken about financial concerns, including a dispute with Swimming South Africa over prize money. The federation has been approached for comment.

In her letter, Smith said representing South Africa had been a childhood dream and that she would look back on her time with the country with “immense pride and gratitude”. She added that “dreams can change as we grow”.