Under Armour proudly honours the exceptional career of Tatjana Smith, South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, as she announces her retirement from competitive swimming. As she leaves the pool, Tatjana is not just a champion athlete, but a symbol of relentless determination that has pushed human performance to new heights.

Tatjana’s journey from a determined young swimmer to a world record holder and double Olympic gold medallist has been extraordinary. Her success story is not just about breaking records—it's about breaking barriers. With every stroke, she has demonstrated the power of resilience, the importance of high-performance gear, and the potential for sports to unite and inspire a nation.

Embodying Under Armour’s Values

“Tatjana’s achievements on the world stage embody the core values of Under Armour: innovation, performance, and the pursuit of excellence,” says Lorrianne Cloete, Brand Lead, Under Armour, Apollo Brands Pty Ltd, South Africa. “Her partnership with Under Armour has been about more than just wearing our gear—it’s been about harnessing the best technology to enhance human potential and personifying the core values that make up who we are. As Tatjana transitions to a new role, her legacy reflects our brand’s commitment to pushing athletes beyond their limits and inspiring the next generation.”

Under Armour has always been at the forefront of sports innovation, creating gear that empowers athletes. “As an athlete, Tatjana Smith was a wonder, and as a person, she remains an inspiration,” says Lorrianne.

“Her dedication to training not just her body, but also her mental strength, demonstrated how we all can unlock our best performance. We were honoured to play a role in her professional career, and she will always be part of the UA family.”

Driving Societal Change Through Sports

Tatjana’s success has and will continue to shape minds and lives, as she stands as a role model who upholds the values of the Olympic movement: excellence, friendship, and respect. These values form the cornerstone of the Olympic spirit and reflect the broader virtues that sports can instil in humanity.

A well-documented, yet often underestimated, truth is that societal change can be driven through the unifying power of sports. Tatjana’s victories have brought hope and inspiration, proving that even in challenging times, success stories like hers can unite communities and drive positive change.

A Word from the Global Stage

Under Armour’s passion for elevating athletes globally is epitomised by its commitment to ambassadors like Tatjana. “Tatjana’s story is about more than just medals; it’s about overcoming odds and using your platform to make a difference,” says Kevin Plank, global CEO of Under Armour. “We are exceptionally proud to have been part of her journey and look forward to supporting her as she takes on this new role of mentorship and community leadership.”

Reflecting on her partnership with Coach Rocco Meiring, Tatjana shared, “Coach Rocco has been like a father to me. He believed in me long before I believed in myself. Together, we’ve shown that South Africa has the talent to compete with the best in the world, and now it’s time to ensure future generations have the same opportunities. Thank you, coach!”

As Tatjana transitions from the competitive arena to philanthropy, her legacy continues to inspire. “Swimming has given me so much,” she says. “With Under Armour's unwavering support, I’ve been able to reach my highest potential as an athlete. As I step into this new chapter, I’m focused on continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible in South African swimming.”

Tatjana Smith’s Career Highlights

With a career spanning 22 years, Tatjana has dedicated countless hours to training and achieving greatness. Here’s a list of her top achievements that will be imprinted in the hearts, minds, and world record books for years to come:

• 66% of Team South Africa’s Tokyo Olympics medals were won by Tatjana.
• 3 x Commonwealth Games gold medals.
• 3 x Swimswam African Female Swimmer of the Year.
• 33% of the Team South Africa Paris Olympics medals were won by Tatjana.
• 2 x South African Sports Awards Sports Star of the Year.
• First woman to swim under 2:19 in the 200m breaststroke.
• First South African woman in eight years to win a Commonwealth medal at the 2018 games.
• Retirement age: 27

Ending on a High

Tatjana Smith hangs up her goggles and takes a bow as South Africa’s most successful Olympian of all time. It’s hard to put into words her triumphs over the years and all the ways she has made us proud to call ourselves South Africans. Thank you, Tatjana. You’re the epitome of hard work, determination, and grace. You’ve shown us all what it means to strive for more, and your competitive spirit will be missed.

Congratulations on your retirement, Tatjana, and all the best as you take on your new role as a mentor and inspiration for the next generation of South African athletes.

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