TATJANA SMITH CLAIMS SA’S FIRST GOLD MEDAL

Our golden girl has done it again! Tatjana Smith has managed to bag back-to-back Olympic Games medals.

Smith won South Africa’s first gold medal last night at the Paris 2024 Games after winning the 100m breaststroke event on Monday evening. She was the fastest during both her heats.

Although Smith was the favourite before the start, it almost looked as if China’s Tang Qianting was going to win.

Tang was in the lead right from the start and at one stage she even managed to secure a 1 metre lead against the rest of the swimmers.

But, Smith came almost out of nowhere to take the medal. The 27-year-old managed to make the most of the last five metres when she passed everyone to touch the other side first.

Her fantastic lunge towards the wall was the difference between the gold and silver medals.

Ireland’s Mona McSharry took the bronze medal after she was in second place for most of the event.

After the race, Smith dedicated her gold medal-winning performance to the people back home.

“I don’t think anyone can explain it. It took a village to get me to where I am today. I know they would have been proud of me even if I didn’t have a medal.”

“I swam for everyone that believed in me and for the country as well.”

Now, all eyes are on Smith again as she prepares to compete in her favourite event, the 200m breaststroke.

Image credit: Sascoc