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South Africa's Olympic star Smith reverses retirement, eyes LA Games

Tatjana Smith, South Africa's most decorated Olympian, has ended her brief retirement and returned to competitive swimming. The champion swimmer is now training with her sights set on the 50-metre breaststroke at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

LSN Singapore · 25 September 2026

South Africa's Olympic star Smith reverses retirement, eyes LA Games

South Africa's most decorated Olympic athlete has signalled her comeback to the sport after reversing a retirement decision made earlier this year. Tatjana Smith, who stepped away from competitive swimming in 2024, has resumed training and confirmed her intentions to pursue a new Olympic goal.

Smith's return marks a significant shift following her initial decision to retire from the pool. The decorated swimmer is now focusing on a specific target: competing in the 50-metre breaststroke event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, which represents a new direction for her athletic career.

The move comes as Smith aims to add to her already impressive Olympic legacy. Her decision to return demonstrates her continued commitment to the sport and her competitive drive to achieve success on the international stage. Swimming South Africa and the athlete's supporters have welcomed her renewed involvement in the pool.

Smith's comeback adds an intriguing chapter to her storied athletic career. With two years of preparation ahead, the athlete will be working toward qualifying and competing at the Los Angeles Games in what would represent another significant milestone in her Olympic journey.