# Tearful Smith switches allegiance to Netherlands

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/tearful-smith-switches-allegiance-to-netherlands/
- Published: 2026-11-11T09:45:14+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T10:24:23+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/swimming/articles/cmx27n60n3wno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Africa, Sport, World

## Key points

- Tatjana Smith has switched from South Africa to the Netherlands.
- She won four Olympic breaststroke medals, including two golds.
- She hopes to compete at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

## Summary

Tatjana Smith, South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, has switched her sporting allegiance to the Netherlands after returning from retirement. The four-time Olympic medallist said the move reflects her Dutch heritage and could give her stronger support as she seeks to extend her swimming career.

Smith, 29, won breaststroke gold and silver at both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, and retired after the latter Games before returning to competition in September. She hopes to race in the 50m breaststroke at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where the event will make its debut. Smith cited the financial and practical difficulties of swimming in South Africa; she will continue living and training there and is due to represent the Netherlands at the short-course World Championships from 1 to 6 December.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.