“It’s Surreal”: Tatjana Smith Wins Sportswoman and Sports Star of the Year at 2025 Awards
- Tatjana Smith walked away with top honours at the 2025 Annual Sports Awards, describing the moment as “surreal” after a tough category of nominees
- The 28-year-old reflected on the sacrifices and passion that shaped her journey, while also opening up about the struggles women face in South African sport
- Smith shared her hopes for the future of swimming, revealing how she plans to use her platform to inspire the next generation and bring change to the sport
South African swimming sensation Tatjana Smith was the star of the night at the 2025 Annual Sports Awards on Sunday, 24 August.
The 28-year-old walked away with two of the evening’s top honours: Sportswoman of the Year and Sports Star of the Year.
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After retiring from professional swimming post-2024 Paris Olympics, she secured her place in history by winning gold in the 100m breaststroke and silver in the 200m breaststroke.
Smith is married to Joel Smith, the brother of Rachel Kolisi, the estranged wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. After her retirement, she chose to focus on family life and personal growth
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‘It’s surreal’: Smith reflects on double victory.
Speaking exclusively to Briefly News after her triumph, Smith admitted the moment felt unreal.
“No, it’s surreal. I think that’s why everyone was saying it was a tough category, because what Nanni and Mpumelele have achieved has been incredible,” she said.
“The amazing part is we celebrate each other. We don’t feel like anyone was less deserving of this trophy. I think they were just glad because they know I’m never going to be on stage again.”
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Smith spoke about her passion for the sport
Smith credited passion and love for swimming as the driving forces behind her success.
“It takes sacrifice, it takes hard work, but most of all, you have to love the sport that you do,” she explained.
The former Olympian also highlighted how swimming had opened doors for her and expressed her commitment to helping other athletes. She is actively working to assist South African swimmers in securing sponsorships ahead of future Olympic Games, noting the lack of financial support in sports outside rugby.
“We want swimming and athletics and everything to be like rugby in South Africa,” she said.
Smith emphasised the need to expand swimming opportunities in underdeveloped communities, particularly rural areas, where many children have limited access to pools or coaching.
“I hope that in swimming we reach more people and give them opportunities. The sport is often male-dominated, but we want young girls to know they can potentially make a career in swimming.”
Speaking out against gender discrimination in sport
The double award winner also addressed the challenges women in sport continue to face.
“I have definitely faced it where they personally told me they were going to choose the guy over me. It’s been tough, but it has made us more resilient,” Smith revealed.
She stressed the importance of using her platform to raise awareness of gender imbalances in sport, encouraging change and accountability.
“I can only share my story and my personal experiences to make people aware of what is happening. We must use our platforms wisely to push for change.”
Smith concluded by expressing her desire to help schools identify young swimming talent, ensuring the next generation has more opportunities than she did.
Smith reflects on career
Briefly News previously reported that Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Smith (formerly Schoenmaker) marked the first anniversary of her retirement from competitive swimming, reflecting on her illustrious career and affirming she has no plans to return to the pool.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Smith looked back on the emotional journey of her career.
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Source: Briefly News
