Tatjana Smith’s husband, Joel Smith, has publicly expressed his love and support for his spouse after she announced she would be officially representing the Netherlands in competitive swimming.
The Olympic gold medallist posted a tearful video statement in which she said that her career move was based on financial stability, support, and sustainability.
Her bombshell news comes after she shared her grievances about the aquatic governing body, Swimming South Africa (SSA), which she previously claimed had threatened and intimidated her.
It also follows a new report that SSA requires swimmers to fork out tens of thousands to travel to the upcoming World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Beijing.
TATJANA SMITH TO REPRESENT NETHERLANDS: SOUTH AFRICANS REACT
In an emotional video statement, Tatjana Smith announced that she would be switching national allegiance as a professional swimmer from South Africa to the Netherlands.
The 29-year-old explained that representing the European country could provide her with high-performance support, financial stability, and a more sustainable swimming career.
Tatjana – who has Dutch ancestry, thanks to her father who was born in the Netherlands – emphasised that she was still proudly South African.
Her husband, sports agent Joel Smith, reposted the video on his Instagram Stories, commenting on his spouse: “The bravest person I know. South Africa will always be proud”
Joel’s sister Rachel Kolisi, the ex-wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, also publicly praised the star swimmer for her brave move.ADVERTISEMENT
Joel and Tatjana wed in late 2023, just months before she won silver and gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The couple
HEARTBREAK, HAPPINESS AND HOSTILITY
Tatjana Smith’s announcement was met with both joy and heartbreak from her followers and South Africans on social media.
Many expressed their hurt that Tatjana had been forced to change her sporting nationality due to poor governance by SSA, while others were hopeful that she would be treated better by Dutch authorities.
She also received love from sports stars such as former Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk, racing driver Kelvin van der Linde, and Springbok Bryan Habana.
Former South African swimmers Roland Schoeman and Ryk Neethling also weighed into Tatjana’s decision.
A livid Roland Schoeman posted on X: “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?”
Ryk added: “The message it sends is that @SwimSouthAfrica don’t look after their athletes. If you treat South Africa’s best Olympic athlete in history like this, imagine what an up-and-coming athlete deals with. Unacceptable”.
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… https://t.co/MTALecS4NN— Roland Schoeman (@Rolandschoeman) November 10, 2026
The message it sends is that @SwimSouthAfrica don’t look after their athletes. If you treat South Africa’s best Olympic athlete in history like this imagine what an up and coming athlete deals with. Unacceptable.— Ryk Neethling (@RykNeethling) November 11, 2026
