EXCLUSIVE: I still don't feel safe: Tatjana Smith challenges Swimming SA system despite triumphant comeback
In an exclusive interview with IOL Sport, four-time Olympic medallist Tatjana Smith reveals that she still fears administrative retaliation from Swimming South Africa despite her triumphant comeback at the SA Short Course Championships, using her return and new foundation to spearhead a relentless fight for athlete rights and commercial transparency.
Olympic champion Tatjana Smith has spoken out about her concerns over the safety of competing under Swimming South Africa (SSA) after her triumphant return to the sport. In an exclusive interview with IOL Sport, Smith revealed that despite recent administrative suspensions of key officials, she still does not feel safe in the federation.
The 50m and 100m breaststroke world champion, who recently secured A-qualification times for the World Short Course Championships in Beijing, highlighted the ongoing issues of bullying, harassment, and a lack of support for athletes within SSA. Smith's return to competition was driven by a newfound determination to fight for reform, rather than expecting systemic improvements from SSA.
The suspensions of SSA's leadership were seen as an opportunity to make a change, but Smith acknowledged the risks involved, likening her situation to a "catch-22" in order to protect future generations of swimmers. Smith's experience at the 2023 World Championships, where she won $35,000 (about R570,000) in prize money, led to a legal battle over alleged payment disputes related to her choice of swimsuit.
She is now seeking more financial support for athletes through her Lighthouse Sport Foundation, which aims to act as an independent watchdog and safe harbour for swimmers in the face of intimidation and fear.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
