Finally, a golden moment for South Africans as Tatjana Smith (née Schoenmaker) swims her way to win the first gold for her country at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The powerful all-round swimmer has made her presence known once again as she won the 100-metre breaststroke in incredible fashion. In the last quarter of the race, she moved up two positions as she flew past her opposition.
Before touching the finishing line, a last second stretch saw her snatch gold from Chinese swimmer, Tang Qianting. With a time of 1:05.28, she was hailed the 100-metre breaststroke world champion, following up on her 2021 Olympics heroics.
Tatjana is not a first time victor at the Olympics, as she won silver in the same event in Tokyo. Additionally, she capped off a prolific 2021 performance with a gold medal in the 200-metre breaststroke.
About the race
China’s Qianting had the best start, speeding the first 50 meters in an unbelievable 29.94 seconds. On the other hand, Smith turned at 30.62 seconds, while Ireland’s Mona McSharry, was slightly ahead in second after the first turn. The Irish swimmer, flying in lane two, appeared poised to steal the win at the death.
However, Smith, the 200m breaststroke gold medalist from Tokyo, used her experience and glided through the water to execute a picture-perfect finish. Like a shark chasing her prey, she closed in on the opposition, touching the wall ahead of second placed Qianting and third placed Mcsharry.
The 27-year-old’s triumph rolled back the years, and reminded spectators of the name that sent shockwaves at the 2021 Olympics. As a result, she will have an opportunity to be the first back to back South African Gold medalist, as she aims to defend her title in the 200-metre breaststroke later this week.
What it means to her:
Upon realizing what she accomplished, Tatjana failed to hold back the tears. Graced by the sight of cheerful South African teammates and fans, an emotional Smith could not stop crying as she waited to leave the pool.
“I don’t think anyone can explain it. It took a village to get me to where I am today,” Smith said after her race. “I know they would have been proud even if I didn’t have a medal.
“I swam for everyone that believed in me and for the country as well.
“Our team hashtag is “for my country” and it really is. We just want to inspire somebody at home to know that they don’t have to disqualify themselves from any race, and that they can also one day be an Olympic champion,” she concluded in her post-race interview.
Here’s what proud fans on X had to say about the triumph…
@OfficialTeamRSA posted, “Gold Medal Alert! Tatjana Smith wins the Women’s 100m Breaststroke! This is South Africa’s first gold medal at #Paris2024 Congratulations, Tatjana! #TeamSA #Olympics #ForMyCountry“
— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) July 29, 2024
Gold Medal Alert!
Tatjana Smith wins the Women’s 100m Breaststroke! This is South Africa's first gold medal at #Paris2024
Congratulations, Tatjana!#TeamSA #Olympics #ForMyCountry pic.twitter.com/spIHZA3m1R
@Rabbitking007 commented, “First AFRICAN gold medal … above all…”
The post Medal Monday: Tatjana Smith wins Gold for Team South Africa! appeared first on EntertainmentSA News South Africa.
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