A year since closing the chapter on competitive swimming, South Africa’s Olympic champion is embracing life beyond the pool
One year after her surprise retirement from professional swimming, Tatjana Smith has confirmed she has no intention of returning to the sport — not even for a comeback. The 28-year-old, who captured hearts around the world with her performances at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, marked the anniversary of her decision with a heartfelt message shared on social media.
Her reflections offer insight into why she stepped away from competitive swimming at the peak of her career, and how she is learning to live, not as an athlete, but simply as herself.
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‘Swimming gave me purpose’
Writing on Instagram, Tatjana called her journey “surreal”, and expressed deep gratitude for the years she spent in the water. She said her retirement still feels difficult to process, but added that she knew when the time had come.
“A journey that began with a dream ended up exceeding every expectation I ever had. Swimming gave me more than medals or records — it shaped who I am,” she wrote. “It taught me discipline, resilience, humility, and the power of showing up, again and again.”
Her last race, she added, wasn’t about the podium. It was a tribute to her family, whose sacrifices had allowed her to chase her dream, and to the competitors who had spurred her on. “The chapter has closed, but the gratitude never will,” she said.
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Life after the lane lines
Since stepping away from elite sport, Tatjana has spoken candidly about her desire to slow down and focus on family, friendships and new interests. Married to sports agent Joel Smith, she has made it clear that her next chapter is about balance — not accolades.
In an interview with SwimSwam magazine, Tatjana acknowledged the emotional and financial realities of life as a professional swimmer in South Africa. She revealed that local athletes are often left to rely on sponsorships, which are unpredictable and tied to performance.
“In South Africa, we don’t get paid by our federation,” she explained. “Winning bronze, for example, barely covers expenses. I realised that if I continued swimming, it would be purely for financial reasons, and that’s not why I started.”
Her words reflect a broader issue facing many athletes in South Africa and around the world — the tension between love for the sport and the economic pressures of sustaining a career without adequate structural support.
No regrets, just gratitude
Tatjana made it clear that her departure from the pool was not driven by fame, burnout or external expectation. “I never swam for fame or pressure,” she said. “I swam because I loved it. And now, as I figure out what comes next, I carry that same passion with me.”
Though her medals — including gold and silver from the 2024 Paris Olympics — stand as a testament to her athletic brilliance, Tatjana’s legacy lies just as much in her grace, humility and courage to step away on her own terms.
Whether she’s remembered as South Africa’s “golden girl” or simply as Tatjana, her story is far from over — it’s just changing lanes.
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Featured Image: Instagram | tatjanaschoen
