Swimmer cites heritage, financial and support concerns in switch to Netherlands

Sport, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie says Olympics swimming champion Tatjana Smith’s decision to switch her sporting nationality to the Netherlands is a personal decision that should not be used as a political weapon.

Smith, a four-time Olympics medallist, announced on November 10 she would represent the Netherlands in the next chapter of her swimming career. World Aquatics has since confirmed the switch in sporting nationality.

In a statement, McKenzie said Smith had informed him of her decision before making it public. “The minister thanks her for that courtesy, which says a great deal about her character,” he said.

McKenzie said it was regrettable that some people had used the decision to attack him. “Tatjana’s choice belongs to her and should not be turned into a political weapon,” he said.

Smith, who holds South African and Dutch citizenship, said the move would allow her to explore another part of her identity and heritage. In a video announcing the decision, she said representing the Netherlands would give her the “opportunity to explore another part of my identity and the heritage I have never experienced through sport”.

“The reality is that this opportunity also offers greater high-performance support and the potential to build a more sustainable career. The financial and practical challenges of swimming were among the reasons my previous career became difficult to sustain. This time I want to make a different choice: protect the love that brought me back to the sport and give myself the best possible opportunity to pursue my new Olympic dream,” she said.

The public needs to understand how sport is run in South Africa. National federations are deliberately independent of government. They are governed by their own boards and answer to their international bodies

—  Gayton McKenzie, sport, arts and culture minister

Smith retired from competitive swimming in 2024 but announced her return on September 21.

Her decision comes against the backdrop of concerns she has previously raised about athlete welfare, financial support and her relationship with Swimming South Africa (SSA).

In July 2023 Smith won gold in the 200m breaststroke at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, becoming the first South African woman to win gold at the event. However, on August 16 that year, SSA informed her it was withholding her $35,000 (R579,754) prize money because she had competed in the wrong kit.

The money was eventually paid more than a year later, around the time of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The interest accrued during the delay was only paid after her lawyers demanded it and Daily Maverick reported on the matter.

Smith has also previously said she still does not feel safe in her own federation.

Responding to concerns about the financial and administrative challenges facing athletes, McKenzie said national sporting federations operated independently of government.

“The public needs to understand how sport is run in South Africa. National federations are deliberately independent of government. They are governed by their own boards and answer to their international bodies. Where the department funds a federation, the federation must account for the money but the department does not run federations, and it cannot take on all their costs,” he said.

Nothing can erase what Tatjana has achieved for South Africa. Every medal, every record and every anthem she gave us belongs to our history forever. We now have to share her with the Netherlands, but I have no doubt her love for South Africa is as strong as ever

—  Gayton McKenzie

“That includes the significant cost of competing internationally. The people who lead federations are responsible for running their affairs sustainably and for attracting the partners and sponsors who can pay for the costs. SA Rugby does not ask the department to pay for the Springboks to play overseas, even though it needs billions each year to run their sport.”

McKenzie said the department was aware of problems at SSA, including concerns raised by athletes. “These problems are being dealt with through a reform process that is under way and includes oversight from World Aquatics. The department will keep monitoring that process closely.”

He said the department had recognised Smith’s achievements on two occasions at the South African Sport Awards, including through prize money. “That recognition reflected the pride the whole country feels in what she has done for South Africa.”

Smith is one of South Africa’s most decorated athletes. She won gold in the 200m breaststroke at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, setting a world record, and went on to secure four Commonwealth Games medals and three World Championship podium finishes. She also won gold in the 200m breaststroke at the 2023 World Championships in Japan.

McKenzie said her achievements would remain part of South Africa’s sporting history despite her decision to compete for another country. “Tatjana Smith retired after becoming South Africa’s most decorated Olympian. The country was delighted to see her return to the pool, but South Africa does not own her. She is her own person and she deserves only success and happiness.

“Nothing can erase what Tatjana has achieved for South Africa. Every medal, every record and every anthem she gave us belongs to our history forever. We now have to share her with the Netherlands, but I have no doubt her love for South Africa is as strong as ever. I believe she still has a great role to play in our country in the future. We wish her only the very best, much love and even more success.”