As Tatjana Smith came out to a rapturous reception from the crowd gathered at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, it was clear the star athlete was overcome with unbridled joy and pride.
The 27-year-old announced her retirement immediately after becoming South Africa’s most decorated Olympian at the Paris Olympics.
Smith was Team South Africa’s top achiever at the Paris Olympics with the gold and silver medal in the 100 metre and 200 metre breaststroke respectively. It brought her medal tally in the Olympics to four, with one gold and one silver in each of the two editions she competed.
Clad in the South African flag, Smith, who was brought out first for Team SA, waved to the adoring crowd.
A huge cheer went up earlier when @OfficialTeamRSA 's most decorated Olympian @TRSchoenmaker made her entrance at @ortambo_int as she was welcomed back by minister @GaytonMcK and the swimmer's adoring fans.@IOL @IOLsport #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/Id0YbQI3Hs
— Michael Sherman (@Golfhackno1) August 13, 2024
Crowning moment
It was a crowning moment for Smith, and one that she would never forget.
“This is probably what it means to carry your country on your back. This welcoming has been mind-blowing. The only other Olympics I went to was Tokyo,” Smith said.
“For people to make time and come out here really means a lot. I never thought I’d stand on the other side. It’s always nice celebrating the Springboks coming back, but this experience is really humbling.”
It was not without a tinge of sadness though, as Smith’s competitive days are over with her retirement.
“It’s bitter sweet, because I am finished. This is probably one of the last times I’ll be wearing the green and gold.”
One incredibly special moment in the homecoming for Smith, was when a fan insisted she take R100 note as a token of the country’s appreciation for her performances. Though Smith did not want to take the woman’s money, she knew that the gesture meant everything to the fan as she accepted the gift.
A fan gives Tatjana Smith R100 for her performance in Paris and says she wishes she could give her more.#Olympics2024 #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/Giu6TTsFd8
— IOL News (@IOL) August 13, 2024
‘We are champions’
“To be able to walk out with the flag at the end of the Olympics … Our country has its challenges but we face it. Even though we are champions as we rise above those challenges says a lot.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be sitting here as a two-time Olympian, four-time medalist representing South Africa. If you told me that when I was 12, I would have told you you’re lying.”
SA minister of sport Gayton McKenzie did not hold back as he showered the praise on Smith.
“Tatjana is the most decorated Olympian that we have produced as a country. We have never produced an Olympian that has achieved what she’s achieved.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa wanted me to tell you that we as a country are very proud. You have showed us what is possible.
“What makes our achievements so remarkable, is that the other athletes [from big countries] had everything.
“On behalf of every person, you are one of the greatest heroes this country has ever had. We want god to continue to bless you in your next endeavour.”