South Africa’s Olympic champion swimmer Tatjana Smith has been soaking up every moment in Paris after winning back-to-back medals at the Paris Games, and announcing her retirement from athletic swimming.
ALSO SEE: South Africa’s greatest Olympian Tatjana Smith hangs up goggles and retires from swimming
Smith, who shone for South Africa winning gold for the Women’s 100m and silver for Women’s 200m breast stroke at the Paris Games, is now soaking up every sunny moment in the City of Love.
Joined by her husband of almost one year, Joel Smith – who happens to be brother in law of Springbok champion Siya Kolisi – SA’s Golden Girl has been exploring Paris – rooftop parties and cruising along the River Seine is how she chooses to celebrate an incredible Olympic victory and a retirement from athletic swimming.
After her silver victory at the Paris Games, Smith said that she is excited for life beyond swimming.
“Swimming is just a season in my life. There is so much more than swimming and I’m excited to live life,” she said, as per Daily Maverick.
Taking to Instagram to celebrate ending off her historical career on a legendary note, Tatjana wrote “More than just medals…beyond grateful,” accompanied by a snap of herself with her gold and silver Olympic medals from the Paris Games.
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Before Smith’s return to South Africa – an occasion that warrants a ‘Hero’s Welcome’, says sister-in-law Rachel Kolisi – the Olympic champion is spending time exploring Paris with her person.
On Monday, Smith posted to her Instagram stories with footage of herself and her husband, Joel, cruising along the River Seine by boat, with the Eiffel Tower in shot. “Starstruck,” the swimmer captioned her story.
Instagram / @tatjanaschoen
Now exploring one of the most romantic cities on Earth together, Tatjana and Joel tied the knot with a Robertson wedding in November 2023, after their engagement in April 2022. The couple belong to a larger brood of sporting fanatics.
ALSO SEE: Tatjana Schoenmaker and Joel Smith tie the knot in Robertson
Joel Smith happens to be the biological brother of Rachel Kolisi, and by definition, brother in-law to Springbok champ, Siya Kolisi.
The Kolisi family, who moved from South Africa to Paris in 2023, are back on home grounds in SA for the coming weeks, as Smith explores the family’s new city.
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Rachel Kolisi and kids back in SA after ‘wildest 11 months of our lives,’ says Springbok first lady
