JOHANNESBURG - Tatjana Smith has made a surprise move by switching her allegiance to the Netherlands.
This means South Africa's most decorated Olympian will now compete under the Dutch flag at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
Smith holds both Dutch and South African citizenship.
In a statement, Smith thanked South Africa and said it was an honour to represent the country at the Olympic Games, but that athletes need a chance to 'thrive, not just survive'.
This comes after Smith was involved in a legal dispute with Swimming South Africa over prize money that was withheld from her.