South African swimmer Tatjana Smith has secured Africa’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics thanks to her win in the 100m breaststroke event.
Smith’s victory sees her secure South Africa’s first gold medal since the 1996 Games in Atlanta. The 27-year-old touched the wall with a time of 1:05.28.
“I think everyone is so proud. I think they would have been proud if I did not win a medal. That’s what I’m really grateful for, really just the people in my life,” Tatjana said after her historic performance.
Reigning 100m breaststroke world champion, Tang Qianting of China, took the silver medal with a time of 1:05.54, while Republic of Ireland’s Mona McSharry secured the third place position with 1:05.59.