South African swimming star Tatjana Smith has announced that she will represent the Netherlands in the next stage of her international career, following approval of her change of sporting nationality by World Aquatics.
The 29-year-old athlete made the announcement on November 10, citing her Dutch heritage and the opportunity to receive greater support for her professional development, Al Jazeera reported.
Smith holds dual South African and Dutch citizenship. She won the 200-metre breaststroke gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021, and the 100-metre breaststroke title at Paris 2024. She also claimed silver medals in both competitions, becoming South Africa’s most successful Olympic athlete with four medals.
After retiring following the Paris Games, Smith returned to competitive swimming in September 2026. She has since set her sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where she hopes to continue competing at the highest international level.
Her first competition representing the Netherlands will be the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Beijing, China, scheduled for December 1–6.
Despite the change in sporting nationality, Smith will remain based in South Africa and continue training with the team that supported her career. She will also maintain her involvement in South African sport through the Lighthouse Sport Foundation, which supports local athletes.
Smith has said that her connection with South Africa will remain an important part of her identity, while the new chapter will allow her to explore her Dutch roots and pursue further Olympic ambitions.
