Tatjana Smith: SA Sports Awards nomination doesn't get old

Smith, who became the most successful South African Olympian after her gold and silver medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is among the finalists for the SA Sportswoman of the Year and SA Sports Star of the Year at this year's awards set for 23 August.

The 28-year-old, who won both awards in 2019 and 2021, says her latest nomination is different in that it tells a different journey compared to the previous ones.

"Definitely not [getting old]. It's always extra special, every nomination tells a different story and a different journey, and the growth of us as athletes, so it's always special to be celebrated by your country and be recognised for the things you've achieved," said Smith.

ICYMI: DSAC announces nominees for 2024 South African Sport Awards

Having announced her competitive retirement immediately after the Olympics last year, the Johannesburg-born breaststroke specialist admits her decision remains a battle not to go back on.

"I'm super grateful for what I was able to achieve in Paris, but with that came a lot of chaos, so it's still really processing through that," Smith added.

"I think, even though I was very at peace with the decision of retiring, there's definitely moments where even sometimes now with the World Champs being on, watching it and really just missing the sport so much.

"So I wasn't oblivious that I would definitely be having to fight myself mentally to not want to go back or regretting my decision, but I knew at the moment I made the decision I was at peace.

"So it's just holding onto that and really just finding out what it is that I love outside of swimming – it's not very easy for athletes, we dedicate our whole lives to something and then you retire and have to start again, because athletes always retire twice.

"So it's now having to start all over again, figuring it out to see where you could potentially go for the next few years, so it's certainly been a process – yes, I have been enjoying it and also no, it's been really tough.

"But I've grown so much and I've learnt so much about myself in just having to navigate through this, so ja. I definitely miss swimming, but I think – I hope – I'm heading in the right direction."

READ: Rocco Meiring pays tribute to Tatjana Smith

Smith, nee Schoenmaker, is up against SA's first-ever World Eightball Pool champion Tasneem Solomons and Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt in the women's category, and sprint legend Akani Simbine and Paralympian Mpumelelo Mhlongo in the main category.