Olympic champion Tatjana Smith to represent the Netherlands
South Africa's most decorated Olympian cites financial and practical difficulties in sustaining her career at home.
Tatjana Smith, South Africa's most decorated Olympian, has announced that she is changing her sporting nationality to the Netherlands and will compete under the Dutch flag at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. World Aquatics has confirmed the change.
The two-time Olympic swimming champion, who holds citizenship of both countries, said in an emotional social media message that it had been an honour to represent South Africa, and that she knew not "everyone will understand or agree with" her decision. She said "financial and practical challenges" could make a swimming career difficult to sustain, and that athletes needed the opportunity to "thrive, not just survive". The Netherlands, she said, would offer greater support.
Smith retired after the Paris Olympics and announced her return to competition two months ago. She has recently spoken out on athlete welfare, challenging Swimming South Africa over withheld prize money and limited commercial opportunities.
Her departure is likely to renew debate over the funding of elite sport in South Africa.