Rachel Kolisi, the wife of Siya Kolisi, has called on South Africans to give her sister-in-law Tatjana Smith a hero’s welcome following her return in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The star swimmer – who won a gold and silver medal in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, respectively – is married to the Springbok WAG’s brother, Joel Smith.
Over the weekend, Tatjana announced that she would be retiring from swimming at 27 years old.
RACHEL KOLISI WANTS HERO’S WELCOME FOR TATJANA SMITH
Just as South Africa welcomed the Springboks home after their Rugby World Cup win last year, so too should they for Olympic swimmer Tatjana Smith, revealed Rachel Kolisi.
She shared in an Instagram Story over the weekend, “Deserving of a hero’s welcome for sure. We do it for the boys. Let’s make sure we do it for the girls, too.”
Rachel’s comments come after Tatjana wore a T-shirt featuring the names of all those who had inspired her Olympic dreams. At the top of the list was her husband, Joel Smith, as well as her parents, Rene and Renske Schoenmaker. Rachel, Siya, and their kids Nicholas and Keziah were also featured on the tribute list.
Olympic swimmer Tatjana Smith has paid tribute to those who inspired her swimming career. Image via Instagram: @tatjanaschoenLast year, Rachel made a special appearance at her brother Joel’s wedding to Tatjana at the Pat Busch Mountain Reserve in the Western Cape.
Instead of groomsmen, Joel’s four sisters – including Rachel– were a part of his entourage.
The women wore black suits, which they paired with sneakers.
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WHEN IS SHE COMING HOME?
Tatjana Smith has yet to reveal when she plans to return to South Africa. In the meantime, she is spending time with her husband, Joel and her parents in France.
According to TimesLive, her next chapter outside the pool includes focusing on her husband, family, and friends.
She said: “I’m excited to also just live life, go and play padel, go for a run without being worried about getting injured or something. Eating whenever I want to eat, not eating at 2pm exactly, eating a chocolate whenever I want to”.
