Tatjana Smith has closed the final chapter of her remarkable swimming career in style, walking away with two of the biggest accolades at the 18th South African Sport Awards. The ceremony, held at Sun City on Sunday evening, celebrated the country’s finest athletes under the theme “Celebrating Sporting Excellence”.
A golden farewell
The four-time Olympian, who officially retired from competitive swimming last year after her stellar performances at the Paris 2024 Games, was named both Sportswoman of the Year and Sport Star of the Year.
Accepting her awards, an emotional Smith reflected on the journey that earned her the nickname “South Africa’s golden girl”. She said: “South Africa, thank you for allowing me to be your golden girl. It’s honestly been an honour, it was bigger than I ever dreamed. I can’t put into words how much your support has meant. There are no words to describe how special it was to stand on the stage and represent South Africa. I never want to give that up for the world.”
Celebrating sporting excellence
Other winners on the night included cyclist Alan Hatherly, who was named Sportsman of the Year, and para-athletes Simoné Kruger and Mpumelelo Mhlongo, who took home the awards for Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year with a Disability.
The 4x100m men’s relay team, who made history at the Paris Olympics, were crowned Sport Team of the Year. Sprinter Shaun Maswanganyi accepted the honour on behalf of the team, reflecting on their journey from the disappointment of Tokyo 2020 to their breakthrough moment in Paris.
Honouring contributors across sport
The evening also recognised achievements beyond the field of play. Eyewitness News journalist Palesa Manaleng received the Sports Media Journalist of the Year award, while Roger Sedres was celebrated for his work as Sport Visual Journalist of the Year.
Other accolades went to Rocco Meiring, who was named Coach of the Year for his contribution to South African swimming, and Pholetsi Moseki, who took home Sport Administrator of the Year for his work in cricket.
A fitting end to a shining career
Smith’s final bow in the spotlight cemented her legacy as one of South Africa’s most decorated and beloved athletes. Her two awards were not just a recognition of her triumphs in the pool, but of her enduring impact on the nation’s sporting spirit.
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