Two-time Olympic swimming champion Tatjana Smith will represent the Netherlands internationally after switching her sporting nationality from South Africa, announcing the decision Tuesday as she targets the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

The 29-year-old breaststroke specialist, who holds both South African and Dutch citizenship, is set to make her Dutch debut at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in a 25-meter pool in Beijing on Dec. 1-6.

“I’ve made the decision to represent the Netherlands in the next chapter of my swimming career,” Smith wrote in a post on Instagram.

“Representing South Africa was a childhood dream come true, and it’s a chapter I will always look back on with immense pride and gratitude.”

Smith’s change of sporting nationality has been confirmed by World Aquatics, according to a statement released by her team. Her profile on the governing body’s website now lists the Netherlands as her country.

Previously competing under her maiden name, Schoenmaker, Smith won the 200-meter breaststroke gold in a then-world-record time and silver in the 100 meters at the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021.

She added gold in the 100-meter breaststroke and silver in the 200 meters at Paris 2024, taking her Olympic tally to four medals.

Smith retired after Paris but returned to competition in September. The addition of the 50-meter breaststroke to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program has given her a new competitive target.

Her decision also reflects family ties to the Netherlands. Her father was born in the Dutch town of Naaldwijk, and she has described both countries as part of her identity.

“But dreams can change as we grow. This next chapter is about embracing another part of who I am, falling in love with the journey and discovering what more I’m capable of,” she wrote.

Smith has also cited the prospect of greater high-performance support and a more sustainable swimming career as factors in the move.

She will remain based in South Africa and continue training with her existing team, while joining Dutch swimmers for international competitions and training camps, according to her team’s statement. (Arise News)