By Razeen Gutta
South African swimmer Tatjana Smith is at peace with retirement after ending her career with two medals at the Paris Olympics.
Following her breaststroke wins at the Games, the 27-year-old has called time on her career.
Adding to the gold and the silver she won at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Smith won gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m to retire at the peak of her career.
Speaking at a function in Sandton on Monday, Smith said: “It’s actually a funny story because I only decided to retire in Paris.
“I thought I was still going to carry on and stuff. [But] I kind of knew in my heart that I may not be swimming for South Africa again.
“A lot of the decision was very financial.”
Swimming South Africa has had a difficult time financially, with backstroke star Zane Waddell also remembered for retiring early. In 2020 at just 22 years old, he called time on his career due to money issues.
Smith added that she was at peace with having to be able to retire on her terms.
“I’m really fortunate I took in every moment knowing that it was my last race.
“It was also beautiful to be able to share it with my family.”
Pictured above: Tatjana Smith.
Source: @coronafrica
