South African athletes deserve a system that gives them the opportunity to thrive, not just survive.

That is the message from the country's most decorated Olympian after announcing that she’s officially switched sporting allegiance to the Netherlands following World Aquatics' approval.

Smith on challenges

Tatjana Smith (née Schoenmaker) who came out of retirement in September after a two-year hiatus, holds both South African and Dutch citizenship.

In a video message, the four-time Olympic medallist says the financial and practical challenges of swimming were among the reasons her previous career became unsustainable.

"I will always be incredibly proud to be South African. It is where I was born, where I call home and a huge part of my identity. Representing another country doesn't change that."

Exploring new path

Smith said this is a chance to explore a new direction in her sporting career ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and an opportunity to connect with her Dutch heritage.

"Choosing this path does not take away from the first one. It does not diminish the medals I have won, the pride I felt singing the South African national anthem, or everything we have achieved together. But one thing that has not changed is my commitment to South Africa.

“I will continue to live and train in sunny South Africa and through my work with the Lighthouse Foundation I will continue supporting South African athletes and fight for a better future for our sport."

“I believe there is so much we can learn from other sporting systems, and sometimes making a difference means stepping outside of the system to understand how we can make it better from a different position.

“I chose South Africa at the beginning of my career because I wanted to prove what was possible, even when the system didn't make it easy, and I did.

“But I also believe our athletes deserve a system that gives them the opportunity to thrive, not just survive. I know that not everyone will understand or agree with my decision.”

Smith’s first event under the Dutch colours will be the World Short Course Championships in Beijing in December.