Under Armour Celebrates Olympian Tatjana Smith In Sandton

As the sun sets on the competitive swimming career of Tatjana Smith, Under Armour hosted an intimate celebration at their flagship store in Sandton City.

Tatjana Smith, the most decorated Olympian in South African history, is a name synonymous with excellence, resilience, and inspiration.
As she announced her retirement from the sport that made her a household name, she leaves behind a swimming legacy.
Tatjana’s rise from a determined young swimmer to a world record holder and double Olympic gold medallist is nothing short of extraordinary.
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Tatjana Smith celebrated a journey that has been marked by a relentless pursuit of greatness, not just in terms of medals and records, but in breaking barriers and redefining what is possible for South African athletes on the global stage. With every stroke, she has demonstrated the power of resilience and the importance of high-performance, all while inspiring a nation to dream bigger and reach higher.

As an athlete, Tatjana Smith was a wonder, and as a person, she remains an inspiration. Her dedication to training not just her body but her mental strength demonstrated how we all can unlock our best performance. We were honoured to play a role in her professional career, and she will always be part of the UA family.

// Brand Lead for Under Armour at Apollo Brands South Africa, Lorrianne Cloete

Tatjana Smith, Under Armour — Olympic Swimmer, Tatjana Smith; Brand Lead for Under Armour at Apollo Brands South Africa, Lorrianne Cloete; and Swimming Coach, Rocco Meiring during a panel discussion at the Sandton City Under Armour store. Image: The Sandton Times

In a country where sports hold a significant place in society, Tatjana’s achievements have united and inspired a nation. Sport in South Africa has often been a means of societal change, a way to bring people together in pursuit of a common goal. Tatjana’s story is a shining example of this. Her victories have not only brought pride to the country but have also served as a reminder of the power of unity and the impact that a single athlete can have on the national consciousness.

Tatjana’s impact extends beyond her time in the pool. As she steps into a new chapter of her life, focused on mentorship and community leadership, her legacy will continue to inspire. Tatjana spoke to The Sandton Times about her partnerships and plans going forward.

Tatjana’s story is about more than just medals; it’s about overcoming odds and using your platform to make a difference. We are exceptionally proud to have been part of her journey and look forward to supporting her as she takes on this new role of mentorship and community leadership.

// Global CEO of Under Armour, Kevin Plank

One of the most significant relationships in Tatjana’s career has been with her coach, Rocco Meiring.

Coach Rocco has been like a father to me. He believed in me long before I believed in myself. Together, we’ve shown that South Africa has the talent to compete with the best in the world, and now it’s time to ensure future generations have the same opportunities. Thank you, coach!

// Olympic Swimmer, Tatjana Smith

This partnership has been instrumental in her success, a testament to the importance of trust, belief, and hard work in achieving greatness. As Tatjana trades the competitive arena for philanthropy, her focus remains on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in South African swimming. Coach Rocco Meiring spoke to The Sandton Times about the cost of getting started in swimming.

Swimming has given me so much. With Under Armour’s unwavering support, I’ve been able to reach my highest potential as an athlete. As I step into this new chapter, I’m focused on continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in South African swimming.

// Olympic Swimmer, Tatjana Smith

Her commitment to the sport and her country is unwavering, and there is no doubt that she will continue to inspire future generations of South African swimmers. Tatjana Smith’s career has spanned 22 years, with countless hours spent training for greatness. As she hangs up her goggles, she does so as South Africa’s most successful Olympian of all time. Her triumphs over the years have made her a source of pride for South Africans, and her achievements will be imprinted in our hearts, minds, and world record books for a long time to come.

Here are just a few of her most notable accomplishments:

66% of Team South Africa’s Tokyo Olympics medals were won by Tatjana.
3 x Commonwealth Games gold medals.
3 x Swimswam African Female Swimmer of the Year.
33% of Team South Africa’s Paris Olympics medals were won by Tatjana.
2 x South African Sports Awards Sports Star of the Year.
First woman to swim under 2:19 in the 200m breaststroke.
First South African woman in eight years to win a Commonwealth medal at the 2018 games.

Tatjana Smith may be retiring at the young age of 27, but her legacy will endure. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and inspiration – a legacy that will continue to inspire South Africans for generations to come.

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