South Africa’s golden girl, Tatjana Smith, has once again proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the swimming pool at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Last night, Smith sensationally won the gold medal in the 100m breaststroke for women following a last surge that saw her touch the wall in 1:05.28. She beat China’s Qinating Tang to the gold in just 0.26 seconds, while Ireland’s Mona Mc Sharry took the bronze a split second later.

Smith said her second Olympic gold medal and first in the event is for South Africa and everyone else who has been there alongside her on the journey. Through her success, she hopes to inspire future champions.

Tatjana Smith. Picture: X.

“I don't think anyone can explain it, but like I said last night as well, for me the emotions were real because it took a village to get me where I am today and I know they would have been proud, even if I didn’t have a medal,” said Smith.

“It was really for them, I swam for everyone who has been there for me, who has believed with me, and for our country as well. Our hashtag is #ItsForMyCountry and it really is. It’s just to inspire someone at home to know they don’t have to disqualify themselves from their race. They could also potentially be an Olympic champion.”

In 2021, in Tokyo, Smith won the silver medal in the 100 m breaststroke, although the 200 m is her strongest event. She is the defending champion in the 200 m breaststroke after winning gold in 2:18,95 in Tokyo. She added that it’s always important to take a slight step back after success, reassess, and learn from the experience to improve.

Tatjana Smith. Picture: KM.

“There’s always something to learn out of every race and I think for me, with Tokyo, the only thing I wanted to change is really just to focus on my own race. I did exactly that. Even if I didn’t get a medal, I would have been really happy with that because there are things you want to do and bet on yourself … I did give it my best. I’m so grateful that I am walking away with the gold, but the work is not done, I still have the 200 m to go.”

Smith is still set to swim in the first heat of the 200 m breaststroke at 11:00 on Wednesday. Fellow South African Kaylene Corbett is in the same heat, as well as Ireland’s Mc Sharry.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg/mvh