Tatjana Smith (formerly Schoenmaker), known as South Africa’s Golden Girl, is heading to Paris to compete in the 2024 Olympics. She will represent South Africa in the 100m and 200m Breaststroke events.
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Smith made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by winning Silver in the 100m and Gold in the 200m Breaststroke, becoming the first South African woman to win Olympic Gold in swimming since 1996. Now, she is set to compete again in Paris, with the games starting on Friday, 26 July.
Smith will be joined by seven other top South African swimmers: Aimee Canny, Kaylene Corbett, Erin Gallagher, Rebecca Meder, Pieter Coetze, Chad Le Clos, and Matt Sates.
Recently, celebrating her 27th birthday, Smith shared her journey and preparations for Paris on social media. Before leaving, she enjoyed a traditional South African braai and expressed her gratitude to her supporters: ‘On my way to Paris. Baie dankie to all my sponsors,’ she wrote, along with a clip of herself ‘swimming’ to the Olympics.
Smith’s preparations for Paris come after a milestone year, including her marriage to Joel Smith, brother of Springbok ‘First Lady’ Rachel Kolisi, in November 2023.
The nation proudly supports its Golden Girl as she heads to Paris. Swimming South Africa, the governing body of aquatics in SA, wished her the best on social media, stating, ‘We’re sending Tatjana all our love, support, and best wishes as she takes on this incredible challenge! The entire nation is proudly behind you every stroke of the way.’
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Picture: Deaan Vivier / Gallo Images