Tatjana Smith

“The people, the memories and everything we achieved together will always be part of me. But dreams can change as we grow.”

Tatjana Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-11

Smith said on social media that the people, memories, and achievements with South Africa will always be part of her.

“always been Dutch and South African”

Tatjana Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-11

Smith, who has dual citizenship through her Dutch father, said the switch lets her explore her Dutch identity.

“explore another part of my identity and heritage that I've never experienced through sport”

Tatjana Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-11

Smith said the move is an opportunity to explore another part of her identity and heritage through sport.

“dreams can change as we grow”

Tatjana Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-11

Smith read a letter addressed to South Africa as she announced her switch of allegiance to the Netherlands.

“financial and practical challenges of swimming were among the reasons my previous career became difficult to sustain”

Tatjana Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-11

Smith said financial and practical challenges contributed to the difficulty of sustaining her previous career.

“greater high-performance support and the potential to build a more sustainable career”

Tatjana Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-11

Smith said switching allegiance offers her greater high-performance support and a more sustainable career.

“may disappoint or break the hearts”

Tatjana Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-11

Smith acknowledged that her switch of allegiance may disappoint some supporters.

“This next chapter is about embracing another part of who I am, falling in love with the journey and discovering what more I'm capable of.”

Tatjana Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-11

Smith said on social media that her next chapter is about embracing another part of who she is.

“I'm excited for what lies ahead, and I truly hope you'll continue to be part of the journey with me.”

Tatjana Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-11

Smith said on social media that she is excited for what lies ahead and hopes supporters continue on the journey with her.

“Representing South Africa was a childhood dream come true, and it's a chapter I will always look back on with immense pride and gratitude,”

Tatjana Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-11

Smith said on social media that representing South Africa was a childhood dream come true.