SA swimmer Tatjana Smith poised for glory at Olympic Games

At 27 years old, Smith, who previously shone at the Tokyo 2020 Games, is now a prominent contender in her events, having recently been ranked second fastest in the world over the 100m breaststroke and the quickest over 200m breaststroke.

In Tokyo, Smith delivered a remarkable performance, clinching gold in the 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m breaststroke, despite facing significant challenges such as Covid-19 complications.

Her strategy of using the 100m breaststroke as a springboard for her main event proved successful.

Smith's triumphs extended beyond Tokyo, as she secured double gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and replicated this form at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a silver in the 100m breaststroke and gold in the 200m breaststroke.

"It's a case of (trying to) perfect the small things. Swimming is very technical. It's those small margins that count. I don't think physically we can do much more," said Smith.

"The one difference is that you're growing as a person and you're changing. I'm getting older, so that's a massive difference compared to Tokyo, but otherwise it's just the same, trying to get it right every time."

Currently, Smith is third in the global rankings for the 100m breaststroke, with a time of 1:05.41 recorded in April, trailing behind China's Tang Qianting, who leads with a best time of 1:04.39.

The withdrawal of Russian swimmer Evgeniia Chukinova from Paris 2024 further boosts Smith's chances.

With the support of her coach, Rocco Meiring, Smith is on the brink of becoming Team SA's most decorated Olympian from just two Games. 

READ MORE: SA rowing coach Tiago Loureiro confident of Olympic delivery