Beijing:Olympic swimming champion Tatjana Smith has announced her decision to switch her sporting nationality from South Africa to the Netherlands. The two-time Olympic champion aims to represent the Netherlands at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Smith, a 29-year-old breaststroke specialist with dual South African and Dutch citizenship, will make her Dutch debut at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Beijing from December 1 to December 6. Smith expressed her decision on Instagram, sharing her pride in representing South Africa and her excitement about this new chapter.

World Aquatics has confirmed Smith's change of sporting nationality, and her profile now lists the Netherlands as her country. Previously competing under her maiden name, Schoenmaker, Smith achieved notable success at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and Paris 2024, securing a total of four Olympic medals.

Smith retired after the Paris Olympics but returned to competition in September. The addition of the 50-meter breaststroke to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program has given her a new competitive target. Her decision to switch also reflects her family ties to the Netherlands, with her father hailing from Naaldwijk.

Smith will continue to reside and train in South Africa, joining Dutch swimmers for international competitions and training camps. She has cited the prospect of enhanced high-performance support and a sustainable swimming career as motivations for her move.