On Monday night at La Defense Arena, Tatjana Smith powered her way to victory in the 100m breaststroke, securing South Africa’s first gold medal of the Paris Olympics.
This remarkable achievement was the country’s second medal of the day and third overall in the event. Smith’s journey to gold was a thrilling spectacle, especially considering she had to settle for silver at Tokyo 2020.
At the halfway mark of the race, it appeared uncertain whether Smith would even make it to the podium as she touched in fourth place. Known for her politeness and humility in everyday life, Smith transforms into a fierce competitor in the water.
She thrives on competition, and her performance in the 100m breaststroke was a testament to her racing prowess. Smith hunted down her rivals with a combination of artistry and brutality, overtaking Angharad Evans of Great Britain, Ireland’s Mona McSharry, and finally, China’s Qianting Tang.
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Smith won the race in 1 minute and 5.28 seconds, slower than her semifinal and heat times but enough to clinch gold. This victory made her the first South African to win gold medals at consecutive Olympics in real time.
At 27 years and 20 days old, Smith also became the 10th-oldest female Olympic champion in an individual event. With two golds and one silver, she is now South Africa’s most successful double gold medallist, surpassing Penny Heyns and tennis player Charles Winslow.
Smith’s stellar performance in the 100m breaststroke positions her as a strong favorite in the upcoming 200m breaststroke, where she is the defending champion. Another gold in this event would make her South Africa’s most decorated Olympian.
Meanwhile, Pieter Coetzé showcased his potential by lowering his African record to 52.58 seconds in the men’s 100m backstroke final, finishing fifth. His improved underwater techniques and pacing could make him a serious contender in the 200m backstroke.
