Tatjana Smith (formerly Schoenmaker) is a top South African female swimmer and University of Pretoria alumna (BCom Financial Sciences, 2020), who became a hero to millions throughout her country when she won gold and silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In July 2024 she heads to the 2024 Paris Olympics with high hopes and heaps of humility.

On this episode, she chats to us about:

• How she discovered her passion for swimming in her teens. 
• The support network that kept her focused on her purpose.
• What the Tokyo Olympics meant to her – and how it took her by surprise. 
• Her state of mind as she heads into the 2024 Olympics.
• How her purpose is focused on giving hope to others. 

The LeadUP Podcast gives members of the University of Pretoria community and the broader public access to prominent University of Pretoria alumni and alumni associates, who share their top tips for success, and the stories behind their own climb up their industry ladder. This university podcast aims to ensure a global audience has access to South African and African thought leaders.

Download, listen and subscribe to the LeadUP Podcast today ­– click here to find LeadUP Podcast in your favourite podcast app, listen to our YouTube playlist, or go to https://www.up.ac.za/alumni/podcasts to listen from your browser.