Tatjana Smith Wins First Gold Medal for SA at 2024 Paris Olympics

Smith's achievement brings the country's Olympic journey into the spotlight during their 21st appearance at the Games, running from July 26 to August 11.

South African swimmer Tatjana Smith has claimed the nation's first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a stellar performance in the women's 100m breaststroke. Smith clocked a time of 1:05.28 to secure the top spot on the podium.

This victory marks Smith's third Olympic medal, adding to her impressive tally of two golds and one silver. She now stands just one medal away from equaling Chad le Clos's record of four Olympic medals, the highest of any South African Olympian. With her strong performance in the 200m breaststroke, where she is the reigning champion, Smith is well-positioned to add to her medal count later in the Games.

Representing Team South Africa, which has nearly 150 athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Smith's achievement brings the country's Olympic journey into the spotlight during their 21st appearance at the Games, running from July 26 to August 11.

Reflecting on her race, Smith admitted to feeling uncertain about her placement. "I had no idea where I was most of the race. I actually didn’t think I medalled because when I turned to my left, the two blocks next to me both had lights on and it felt like someone else on the other side touched first," Smith said. "So, I actually didn’t think I was medalling. My main goal was just to not do what I did in Tokyo and look around. So literally the last 15 metres, I was like, no, close your eyes, let’s just go."

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his congratulations to Smith via a post on social media platform X, praising her for the remarkable achievement and expressing anticipation for more impressive performances throughout the Games.