Why Tatjana Smith “Deserves To Be There”

This article originally appeared in the 2025 World Championship Preview issue of the SwimSwam Magazine. Subscribe here.

For many athletes, the Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of their careers, a moment that defines their legacy. But what happens after the spotlight fades? For South African swimming champion Tatjana Smith, navigating life beyond the pool has been a journey of self-discovery, reflection, and resilience.

Fresh off the Paris Olympics, Smith acknowledges the fleeting nature of public attention that comes with major sporting events. “After the Olympics, especially in sports like swimming, there’s only a limited time where the spotlight shines on you. So, it’s about making the most of that period before it fades,” she explains. However, beyond the media engagements and celebrations, she is also contemplating what comes next. “It’s about figuring out what I want to do after swimming—keeping myself busy and exploring new interests. Public speaking, for example, wasn’t something I ever imagined doing, but it’s pushing me out of my comfort zone, and I see that as a good thing.”

Retirement from competitive swimming was both an abrupt decision and a long process for her. She describes the emotional rollercoaster that comes with stepping away from the sport she dedicated her life to. “There are days when I feel strong and others when I struggle. I’ve been lucky to move forward without too much emotional baggage, but I don’t think I fully realize how much time has passed since I was immersed in that world. As national and World Championships approach, I start missing it more.”

Tatjana acknowledges the necessity of allowing herself to grieve the transition. “Swimming was never my identity—it was just something I did. But that doesn’t mean I don’t feel the loss. I still have moments of mourning for that part of my life.”

The Olympic Champion also points out the challenge of processing change when the spotlight remains on her. “After winning gold in Tokyo, my life changed dramatically. It took over a year for the noise around me to quiet down, and only then did I truly begin to process everything. That’s why the four-year gap between the Olympics exists—athletes need time to adapt. But with only three years between Tokyo and Paris, that adjustment period felt even shorter.”

Tatjana’s road to Olympic success was far from easy. Missing the 2016 Rio Games by a fraction of a second fueled her determination for Tokyo. “That disappointment pushed me forward. I was so close to making it that it made me work even harder.”

Tokyo, held under the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, brought unexpected advantages. “The lack of a massive crowd worked in my favor. In South Africa, we aren’t used to competing in front of thousands of spectators, so the quieter atmosphere helped me focus.”

Winning gold in the 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m breaststroke established her as a national hero, earning her the nickname “Golden Girl” back home. But with success came new challenges. “In South Africa, when you win gold, people expect you to do it again. The hardest part is not achieving it once but repeating it.”

The pressure mounted leading up to Paris, where expectations were high. “For three years, I struggled with the mental pressure. Just weeks before the Games, I was battling severe anxiety. The 100m breaststroke, which I usually saw as preparation for my main event, became a blessing when I won gold. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.”

Unlike Tokyo, where she celebrated virtually with family, Paris offered a different, more personal experience. “My family was there this time, and that made all the difference. In Tokyo, after winning, you’re swept into media obligations, doping tests, and cooldowns—you barely get to see your loved ones. I could finally share those moments in Paris with them in person.”

However, the pressure remained intense. “In competitive sports, success is often measured only by winning gold. But for me, simply making it to Paris was a victory. The obstacles I overcame just to stand behind the starting block meant more than any medal.”

Between her 100m and 200m events in Paris, Tatjana made a life-changing decision: she would retire.

The choice was not driven by physical limitations but rather a sense of peace.

“I knew it was time. I had achieved what I wanted, and I was ready for the next chapter.”

She also reflected on the financial challenges that played a role in her decision.

“In South Africa, we don’t get paid by our federation, so athletes rely on sponsorships. But sponsorships are often based on performance; if you don’t place at the top, there’s little financial support. Winning bronze, for example, barely covers expenses. I realized that if I continued swimming, it would be purely for financial reasons, and that’s not why I started. I swam because I loved it and wanted to leave on my terms.”

Smith hopes that her story will shed light on the struggles faced by athletes from smaller nations.

“In the swimming world, countries like the U.S. and Australia dominate the conversation. But for athletes from smaller countries, we often feel overlooked. I want young swimmers from Africa to know that they belong on the world stage, even if they don’t have the best facilities. You deserve to be there if you’ve earned your place in the race.”

She also sees her transition as an opportunity to advocate for better support for African athletes. “Swimming isn’t widely recognized in South Africa, and we lack funding. We have a country of over 60 million people, yet only a fraction of them are exposed to competitive swimming. I want to help change that. If we can achieve so much with so little, imagine what we can do with the right resources.”

Tatjana remains deeply grateful for her journey as she steps away from competitive swimming. She embraces the challenges of transitioning to life beyond the sport and continues to inspire others with her story. “I never swam for fame or pressure. I swam because I loved it. And now, as I figure out what comes next, I carry that same passion with me.”