Speaking to The Citizen in Barcelona, Smith said South Africans should believe in themselves like she does.
South Africa's golden girl and most decorated Olympic athlete, Tatyana Smith, encourages people to believe in themselves if they want to achieve great things.
Smith is ending her professional athletics career after winning a gold and silver medal at the Paris Olympics, adding to the two she won at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
She retired as her country's most successful athlete in Olympic history.
Embrace the unknown: Just be yourself, says Olympic champion
Olympic champions Sir Mo Farah of Great Britain and Tatyana Smith of South Africa talk about believing in yourself and keeping a smile on their faces… #Sir Mo Farah #Tatiana Smith Mofala Translator translation: pic.twitter.com/jeqdGSUZXJ
— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) September 23, 2024
Related article: Huawei unveils new wearable device in Barcelona
Be yourself
talk The Citizen Speaking on the sidelines of the Huawei launch in Barcelona, Smith said South Africans should believe in themselves like she does.
“I always say a happy swimmer is a fast swimmer. Not necessarily record-breaking fast, but being your fastest and being yourself. It's really about enjoying the moment, smiling and embracing it all.”
“Honestly, if I had only regrets, I don't think I would be where I am today. I'm fortunate that the experiences I've had in life have helped me grow to become a champion. I would say believe in yourself,” Smith said.
Stay true to yourself
Four-time Olympic champion long-distance runner Sir Mo Farah was also in attendance, encouraging people to aim higher.
“Don't be scared. I think a lot of people, especially at a certain age, are anxious about what's going to happen. What's the outcome? It gets scary. Just have fun. Keep smiling and be yourself.”
Smith and Farah drive innovation
Few names in sport hold more legendary status than Smith and Farah: both are Olympians and world record holders, and the pair appeared together at an innovation launch in Barcelona last week as part of Huawei's wearables campaign.
The two athletes from different sports disciplines share a shared understanding of what it takes to be the best and how the technology they promote, such as wearables, can change athletes' lives.
Related article: Tatyana Smith wants more support for young swimmers
