South African swimmer Tatjana Smith has made history as her nation’s most decorated Olympian, clinching two golds 🥇 and two silvers 🥈 in Paris this week. After securing the women’s 200m breaststroke title and a silver in the 100m, the 28-year-old shockingly announced her retirement, vowing to avoid pools for 'at least a decade.' 💥
\"I’ve given my all to swimming,\" Smith told CGTN’s Dan Williams, \"and now it’s time to dive into life beyond the lanes.\" Her decision to retire at her peak mirrors a growing trend among Gen-Z athletes prioritizing mental health and new adventures over prolonged careers.
Fans worldwide are celebrating her legacy, with social media flooded by highlights of her razor-sharp turns and record-breaking splits. 🌍❤️ While Smith hasn’t revealed her next move, she hinted at plans to mentor young athletes in underserved communities.
