By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Tatjana Smith has called time on her career, announcing her retirement soon after she created history by becoming South Africa’s greatest-achieving Olympian, at the 2024 Paris Games.
It wasn’t a bombshell announcement, given the 27-year-old has consistently said that swimming doesn’t define her. She has a life outside of the pool and it’s always best for champions to walk away on a high.
In confirming her retirement, Smith said: “Achievements fall away. You are remembered for who you are and I want to be remembered for bringing people joy. Swimming is a part of a season in your life and now I’m excited to live life.”
The swimmer won her fourth Olympic medal across two Games when powering to silver in the women’s 200m breaststroke on Thursday night, which sees her hang up her goggles and swim cap with two golds and two silvers to her collection.
Below is the emotional coach Rocho at the TeamSA village in Paris.