JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – South Africa's most decorated Olympic athlete, Tatjana Smith, has announced that she will represent the Netherlands in the next chapter of her international swimming career.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist announced the decision in an emotional video message, citing financial and practical challenges that had made it difficult to sustain her swimming career.

Smith, 29, won the women's 200-metre breaststroke gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 100-metre breaststroke title at the Paris 2024 Games.

She also collected two silver medals, giving her four Olympic medals and making her South Africa's most successful Olympic athlete.

The swimmer, who holds both South African and Dutch citizenship, said the move would provide greater high-performance support and an opportunity to build a more sustainable career.

Smith retired after the Paris Olympics but announced her return to competitive swimming in September 2026, with her sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Despite changing sporting nationality, she is expected to remain based in South Africa, where she will continue training.

Her decision has sparked debate about athlete support, sports administration and the financial challenges facing elite competitors in South Africa.

Smith said her decision did not diminish the pride she felt representing South Africa or the achievements she had secured for the country.