Tatjana Smith claimed silver in the women's 200m breaststroke at the Paris Olympics to become South Africa's most successful Olympian of all time.
South Africa’s most successful Olympian of all time, Tatjana Smith, has officially confirmed her retirement from swimming after competing at the Paris Olympics.
Speaking shortly after claiming silver in the women’s 200m breaststroke on Thursday night, the race in which she won gold in Tokyo, Smith confirmed that she had swum her last competitive race.
“I’m done. I’m officially done. It’s a relief, but I definitely know I’m probably tomorrow going to miss it.
“It’s been a big part of my life. It’s 22 years that I’ve been swimming and it’s been a big part of my family’s life,” she said.
Smith, who earlier in the week won gold in the 100m breaststroke said she was happy to go out at the top and that she had relished the battle for gold in the 200m, even though she was pipped to the wall by American Kate Douglass.
“That’s what sport’s about — that battle and everyone wants to touch the wall first. But I’m just as happy to get the silver medal.
“I love that competitiveness and it’s amazing to now celebrate the new champion. She has so much more to come.
“To end off my career with a big fight was so worth it.
“I’m so grateful that I still get to walk away with the medal and leave my career walking away from the Olympics with two medals. I’m a double Olympian, I couldn’t complain,” she said.
Smith retires as South Africa’s most successful-ever Olympian. While she has the same number of medals as veteran swimmer Chad Le Clos, she boasts two gold and two silver, compared to his one gold and three bronze.
Tatjana Smith secures silver in the Women’s 200m Breaststroke, earning her second medal at Paris 2024. 🥈🏊♀️
— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) August 1, 2024
We couldn't be prouder! 🇿🇦🎉#TeamSA #ForMyCountry #Olympics2024 pic.twitter.com/KZ9UYW6i7K
