One of SA's best medal hopes, Tatjana Smith, says she is thrilled to be competing at her second Olympic Games in Paris this year.
Tatjana Smith in action at the SA Swimming Championships in Gqeberha last month. Picture: Anton Geyser/Gallo ImagesHaving secured two of South Africa’s three medals at the Tokyo Games in 2021, Smith said she was geared up for another fight in the pool in Paris in July.
“I don’t think the excitement changes. Whether it’s your first time or the second time it feels the same, so I’m very excited,” said the 26-year-old breaststroke specialist.“There is obviously a lot of expectation, but I think your internal expectation is normally higher than what others expect. “I’m going to go there and give my best, and I hope South Africa knows when I get out I will be happy with the results because I would have given it everything I could.” at the SA Championships in Gqeberha last month, Smith will turn out among the favourites for the gold medal in the French capital.
She is also ranked third in the world in the 100m event after clocking 1:05.41 at the national championships, and while her focus is on the longer distance, she is likely to be in the hunt for a place on the podium in the 100m as well. The 200m heats will be held two days after the 100m final and Smith aims to use the shorter distance to prepare for her favoured event.“If I do well in the 100m I’ll be very grateful and it will give me added confidence for the 200m, and if I am lucky enough to get something in the 100m then it’s just a blessing.”
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