A unique opportunity awaits swimmers in 2024: for the first time ever, they can win both a World Championship and an Olympic medal in the same year. This unprecedented scheduling quirk has ignited excitement across the swimming world, and South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker (Smith) is one athlete perfectly positioned to capitalize on it.
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Tatjana, known for her “BMT” (big match temperament), is a decorated champion with a proven track record of rising to the occasion. Since 2018, she has medalled at every major competition she’s entered, including:
- Gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 World Championships
- Gold medals at the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games
- Gold medal at the 2019 World University Games
- World record holder in the 200-meter breaststroke (set at the Tokyo Olympics)
Tatjana recent performance at the World Aquatics Championships trials in Durban is a testament to her unwavering focus and dedication. Just weeks after getting married, she clocked a 2:20.30 in the 200-meter breaststroke, her fastest time since breaking the world record in Tokyo. This performance, the third fastest of 2023, placed her behind only Russia’s Eugenia Chikunova (who holds the current world record) and further solidified her position as a top contender for both the World Championships and the Olympics.
Despite the excitement surrounding Schoenmaker’s potential double glory, her coach, Rocco Meiring, remains grounded. He emphasizes that past achievements hold no guarantees for future success, and that every race is a new challenge. Meiring’s philosophy of focusing on the present and putting in the hard work resonates with Schoenmaker, who credits her numerous breakthroughs to countless hours of training and unwavering commitment.
The upcoming World Championships in Doha will be a crucial test for Schoenmaker, as she faces off against a field of talented competitors, including her long-time rival, Lilly King of the United States. This renewed rivalry promises to be one of the most captivating storylines of the competition, with both athletes pushing each other to new heights.
Beyond Schoenmaker’s individual pursuit of history, the Doha World Championships will also see a strong contingent of South African swimmers competing across various disciplines. The Tuks Swimming team, which Schoenmaker trains with, will be well-represented with athletes like Emma Chelius, Dune Coetzee, Kaylene Corbett, Erin Gallagher, Stephanie Houtman, Hannah Pearse, Tayla Jonker, Pieter Coetze, Clayton Jimmie, and Matthew Randle. The Tuks open-water swimming team and water polo teams will also be vying for success in Doha.
With the unique scheduling of the 2024 season and a field of determined athletes ready to make their mark, the upcoming World Championships promise to be an unforgettable event. All eyes will be on Tatjana Schoenmaker as she chases double glory, but the competition extends far beyond any one individual. This is a moment for the entire swimming community to shine, and the world is watching with anticipation.
