---
title: "Tatjana Smith’s switch to the Netherlands: what do you think?"
description: "South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, Tatjana Smith, will swim for the Netherlands. Is it a loss, a betrayal or a wake-up call for Swimming South Africa? We want to hear from you."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "SHARE WITH US"
author: "Daily Maverick"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/dailymaverick/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-11-11-tatjana-smiths-switch-to-the-netherlands-what-do-you-think/"
published: "2026-11-11T09:38:37"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 107
---

# Tatjana Smith’s switch to the Netherlands: what do you think?

> South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, Tatjana Smith, will swim for the Netherlands. Is it a loss, a betrayal or a wake-up call for Swimming South Africa? We want to hear from you.

By Daily Maverick · Published 11 November 2026, 11:38 SAST

## Key points
- South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, Tatjana Smith, will swim for the Netherlands as she targets the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
- The four-time Olympic medallist says athletes need an opportunity to “thrive, not just survive”.
- Her decision follows public clashes with Swimming South Africa over withheld prize money, athlete welfare and limited commercial opportunities.
- Is Smith’s switch a loss, a betrayal – or a wake-up call for South African swimming? Share your view.

## Content

Four-time Olympic medallist Tatjana Smith will no longer represent South Africa in the pool. Smith, who won her first Olympic medals as Tatjana Schoenmaker, announced on 10 November that [she will swim for the Netherlands](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-11-10-swimming-icon-tatjana-smith-switches-allegiance-to-the-netherlands-to-thrive-not-just-survive/). She is aiming for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Smith gave a parting shot to the Swimming South Africa (SSA) system, saying athletes need an “opportunity to thrive, not just survive”.

Recently, Smith has been vocal about athlete welfare, [challenging SSA over withheld prize money](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-09-15-swimming-sa-to-pay-tatjana-smith-interest-faces-scrutiny-over-arena-contract/) and limited commercial opportunities when competing.

What do you make of her decision? Tell us in the form below.

[Media on Daily Maverick: "Tatjana Schoenmaker"](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-11-11-tatjana-smiths-switch-to-the-netherlands-what-do-you-think/)