SA celebrities have shown love to Tatjana Smith, who this week announced that she will continue her swimming career as part of the Netherlands swim team.
In an emotional post on social media, Smith said her next chapter is about embracing another part of who she is.
“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. The people, the memories and everything we achieved together will always be part of me,” Smith said.
Smith, who has won medals for South Africa, at the Olympics, World Aquatics Championships and Commonwealth Games said dreams change as one grows.
“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,” Smith shared.
She added that she was excited for what lies ahead.
Commenting on her post, 5FM and host of Tropika Island of Treasure, Zanele Potelwa said she was proud of Smith.
“We love you. And we are so happy [and] proud of you,” she said with crying faces and heart emojis.
“Lots of love,” added award-winning radio personality, author, and voice-over artist Carol Ofori.
Writer and social media commentator, Khaya Dlanga, added that Smith was done wrong.
Rugby star, Bryan Habana, also wished Smith well, adding “Onwards and upwards”.
SA presenter and media personality, Maps Maponyane added that it was heartbreaking.
“It’s heartbreaking knowing just how much SA means to you, but it’s definitely what is best for you! Keep flying high! We’re behind you all the way,” he said.
Smith’s sister-in-law, Rachel Kolisi, also commented on the post.
“Love love love you,” she said.
Smith has been embroiled in a bitter battle with Swimming South Africa (SSA). Earlier this month, IOL revealed swimmers were slapped with invoices following their selection for the World Short Course Champs set to take place in Beijing between December 1 and 6.
IOL Sport has extensively covered the ongoing challenges faced by athletes called up to represent the country on the world stage, at their own cost.
Just days before her announcement to swap flags, Smith shared with Carte Blanche the truths behind her Olympic medals.
“The reason for my success has purely been because of the people in my support group. Over the 16 years, you were hitting about R10 million of investments that purely basically came from my parents and the support group, and then only later after Tokyo came from some sponsors,” IOL Sport reported.
Responding to Smith’s announcement, former SA swimmer and medalist, Roland Schoeman, slammed SSA.
“Well done, @SwimSouthAfrica. Another world-class swimmer choosing to leave South Africa to pursue the career she deserves. And you’ve got athletes being asked to pay R55,000 just to represent their country. What an absolute disgrace. How many more athletes must we lose before somebody holds this federation and its board accountable?” he shared in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, wished Smith success in her future plans.
In a press statement, McKenzie addressed sentiment over how national federations are run, adding that they are independent from government.
He said this extended to the costs of competing internationally.
“The people who lead the federations are responsible for running their affairs sustainably and for attracting the partners and sponsors who can pay for these costs,” he said.
McKenzie said he was aware of the problems at SSA and that they were being dealt with through a reform process, with oversight from World Aquatics. He said his department is monitoring this.
“Nothing can erase what Tatjana has achieved for South Africa. Every medal, every record and every anthem she gave us belongs to our history forever.
“We now have to share her with the Netherlands but I have no doubt that her love for SA is as strong as ever. We wish her only the very best, much love and even more success,” he said.
IOL
