Swimming South Africa kept Tatjana Smith’s $35,000 prize from the 2023 World Championships. They said she wore a non‑compliant suit. After her lawyer acted, the money was finally paid, but the delayed interest showed her financial strain.

Smith holds dual citizenship – her mother is South African and her father is Dutch – so she meets World Aquatics’ rules for a switch. She said swimming for the Netherlands will give her better support and help her build a sustainable career.

The prize‑money dispute and the promise of stronger backing were the main reasons for Smith’s change of nation. Her case shows that financial and support issues can drive athletes to represent a different country.