By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Four-time Olympic champion Tatjana Smith (formerly Schoenmaker) has changed her sporting allegiance to the Netherlands, she announced on Tuesday.
Smith made the announcement on social media on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
“I have always been both Dutch and South African – both countries are a part of who I am – but sport requires you to choose one to represent,” said Smith, a former world record holder in the 200m breaststroke.
“At the beginning of my career I chose South Africa, a decision I will always treasure. Now, I’ve made the decision to represent the Netherlands in the next chapter of my swimming career.”
“This gives me the opportunity to explore another part of my identity and the heritage that I’ve never experienced through sport.”
“Choosing this path doesn’t take away from the first. It doesn’t diminish the medals I’ve won, the pride I’ve felt singing the South African national anthem or everything I’ve achieved together. That will always be part of my story.”
She also confirmed she would continue to live and train in South Africa.
“I believe there is so much we can learn from other sporting systems, and sometimes making a difference means stepping outside the system to understand how we can make it better, from a different position,” she said.
Smith, who earned four medals (two gold and two silver) at the last two editions of the Olympic Games announced her return to competitive swimming in September after retiring from competition in 2024.