Tatjana Smith, South Africa’s greatest Olympian, carried South Africa’s flag during the Paris Olympics closing ceremony this past Sunday.
🇿🇦 Tatjana Smith will proudly carry the flag for #TeamSA at the Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony! 🌟 An incredible honor for South Africa!
📺 Tune in tonight at 20:15 on @SuperSportTV Channel 203 to watch the ceremony live!#TeamSA #ForMyCountry #Olympics pic.twitter.com/IVzXUkNQsm
— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) August 11, 2024
Tatjana, who made waves at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by winning gold in the 200m breaststroke and setting a new world record, has become a household name in South Africa. Her achievements during this year’s Olympics have been no less extraordinary. She won gold for the Women’s 100m and silver for the Women’s 200m breaststroke.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 07: Women’s 100m Breaststroke gold medalist Tatjana Smith of Team South Africa poses for a photo with her medal on day twelve of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Champions Park on August 07, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Her performance throughout the Olympics showcased grit and determination – which is now being recognized outside the swimming pool. Carrying the country’s flag at such a prestigious event is a fitting recognition of her contributions to South African sports.
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The talented swimmer announced her retirement from the sport shortly after winning her silver medal. “Swimming is just a season in my life. There is so much more than swimming and I’m excited to live life,” she told the Daily Maverick.
However, her story isn’t over. Smith has always expressed a desire to give back to South African swimming, with a potential role in representing athletes. Her legacy, and representation all began with last night’s closing ceremony.
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Featured Image: Getty
