Swimmer Tatjana Smith has made us all proud but there’s more to South Africa’s most decorated Olympian than medals and glory

When I first met Tatjana Smith, our celebrated Olympic swimmer. Our initial encounter was brief, as we exchanged greetings and hurried toward our connecting flights – Tatjana and her husband, Joel Smith, were bound for London, while I was headed to Barcelona. I wasn't sure what to expect from South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, but her dazzling smile and warm embrace immediately set a friendly tone. A few days later, our paths crossed again in Spain. Tatjana and Joel joined us there to attend a Huawei global launch; and during a delightful dinner at a chic restaurant, I had the chance to get to know them better. Tatjana, with her radiant presence and easy- going nature, shared snippets about her favourite shopping spots and the Paris Olympic Games.

Back on home soil in Johannesburg a few months later, we reunited for the GLAMOUR cover shoot. Tatjana arrived on set accompanied by her supportive family, including her husband and her mom, Renske Schoenmaker, who had travelled from the Netherlands to be by her side. There's no doubt Tatjana’s mom is immensely proud of her daughter's achievements. She beamed as she recounted stories of a young Tatjana and her love for swimming, sparking my curiosity about Tatjana’s life before the medals.

Tatjana Smith, swimming, Barcelona, Paris, sport, South Africa, purpose, success, passion, athlete — Tatjana Smith covers the Dec/Jan 2024, Image: Simz Mkhwanazi

Tatjana: The Beginning

One of my earliest swimming memories is from a water safety class where we had to simulate accidentally falling into the water with our clothes on. It was a bit scary, in the moment – but also quite cool, and memorable. The practical aspect of learning how to react in such a scenario stuck with me. As for what drew me to swimming, I initially had a love-hate relationship with it. When I started sports at school, my achievements in swimming captured my interest. However, I soon realised that achievements alone couldn't sustain passion. I found that my purpose, to use my talents to glorify God and spread His love, truly fuelled my enthusiasm for the sport.

GLAMOUR: Can you recount your emotions and thoughts during your first-ever swimming competition?

Tatjana Smith: I was about eight years old in my first competition; and though I can't remember the exact details, I can imagine the experience. I’ve always been a bit nervous before a race, but also incredibly competitive. I approached it with the mindset of giving 100% effort. I’d rather try my hardest and possibly fail than hold back and wonder what could have been. It was all about embracing the challenge head-on, and seeing where that effort could take me.

Glamour: How did it feel to break the world record in the 200-metre breaststroke at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?

TS: It’s an indescribable feeling, a whirlwind of emotions all at once. Achieving something you never thought possible is almost surreal. It's mind-blowing to think that a girl from South Africa could end up breaking a world record.

Glamour: What goes through your mind when standing on the starting block before a race?

TS: I focus on being completely present, and I'm grateful I can achieve that state of mind. In the semis, my goal is to swim a solid time, to ease the pressure for the final. When I step onto the blocks, I know all the training is done, and it's time to execute what we've practised. In those moments, it's quiet… I'm counting my strokes, and just immersed in the race itself.

Glamour: What was the most challenging aspect of competing at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, compared to 2020?

TS: I would definitely say the pressure and the expectation. I’d set the standard of winning gold, and this is what South Africa expected from me. The challenge came on the mental side a lot more than the physical side, to be honest. I think that during that time in between, I faced a lot more mental challenges than I ever had before.

Glamour: How does it feel, representing South Africa on the global stage? TS: It's such an exhilarating experience – one that’s almost addictive. I think any swimmer or athlete would agree that once you've tasted the thrill of competing on the world stage, you just want to experience it again and again. One of the highlights is receiving your national kit, which makes you feel like part of something bigger. As swimming is generally an individual sport, the sense of unity and being part of a larger team is incredibly special. It turns the whole experience into something more meaningful, and creates a strong sense of pride and camaraderie.

Glamour: What role has your coach played in moulding your successful swimming career?

TS: Many people say it's 10 percent coach and 90 percent athlete, but I genuinely feel it's the other way around. I'm incredibly grateful for the relationship and communication that Coach Rocco and I have developed. This relationship has truly allowed us to grow, both individually and together, which has been a tremendous blessing. Rocco has undoubtedly brought out the best in me, and I believe that the coach- athlete relationship is crucial.

Glamour: Which medal, from throughout your career, holds the most personal significance? And why?

TS: It's truly difficult to pinpoint just one, as every medal has been a blessing, and often unexpected. Each one holds its own significance, and has played a different role in my journey. Of course, I always strive to achieve the best in every race; but some moments stand out. Tokyo was particularly special because it represented a dream come true. On the other hand, Paris was memorable due to the challenges I overcame, and the incredible support I received. Achieving success as a team during that time was unbelievably special. Honestly, thinking about these moments gets me emotional!

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