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South African swimming star Kaylene Corbett insists she has never lived in the shadow of Olympic champion Tatjana Smith, despite constant comparisons between the two.
Smith, who retired after winning two medals at the Paris Olympics last year, trained alongside Corbett under coach Rocco Meiring.
While Smith is considered the more decorated of the two, Corbett told SABC Sport that she has always seen their relationship as one of mutual support rather than rivalry.
She believes the media has created the “shadow” narrative, but in reality, it has never existed.
"There has never really been a shadow for me because that implies that I am less than."
Corbett’s career breakthrough came when she secured her first major international podium, winning bronze in the 200m backstroke at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
Although she had previously collected a medal at the Commonwealth Games, she regards the world championship bronze as her most special achievement, proving she can compete with the best on the global stage.
The University of Pretoria-based swimmer admits Smith’s retirement has changed the dynamic in her training environment.
Having shared countless sessions and competitions with her former teammate, Corbett says she now feels the added pressure but will cherish the moments they had together in the pool.
Born in the Eastern Cape, Corbett revealed she is facing financial struggles as her parents are unable to support her swimming career.
She has appealed for corporate backing, stressing that many promising swimmers are battling to stay in the sport due to funding challenges.
