Tatjana Smith Switches International Allegiance to the Netherlands

“Dreams can change as we grow,” Tatjana Smith said as she announced her switch of international allegiance to the Netherlands, bbc.com reported.

The 29-year-old South African swimmer won four Olympic breaststroke medals, including two golds, before retiring after the Paris 2024 Games. Following a September return from retirement, she aims to participate in the 50m breaststroke when it makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Tears rolled down her face while reading a letter addressed to South Africa, given that her maiden name was Schoenmaker. She has dual citizenship because her father is Dutch, stating that she has “always been Dutch and South African”.

The move also offers her “the potential to build a more sustainable career”, as financial and practical challenges contributed to her previous decision to step away from the sport. Swimming South Africa has been approached for comment regarding the dispute over prize money that contributed to her earlier retirement.

During the period spanning from 2018 to 2023, she accumulated four world and Commonwealth gold medals after initially deciding to represent her native country. Her medal haul includes 200m breaststroke gold and 100m silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, followed by 100m gold and 200m silver at the 2024 Games.

“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, bbc.com reported.

“The people, the memories and everything we achieved together will always be part of me. But dreams can change as we grow,” Smith said.

Smith said she will continue to live and train in South Africa while representing her new national team. She is set to compete for the Dutch team for the first time at the short course world championships from December 1 to December 6.

“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,” she told bbc.com.

Smith holds dual citizenship because her father is Dutch. She cited an opportunity to explore her heritage alongside the potential to build a more sustainable career following previous financial challenges in South Africa.

Smith is scheduled to represent the Dutch team for the first time at the short course world championships running from December 1 to December 6.

Smith will continue to live and train in South Africa despite her switch in international allegiance.