Tatjana Smith Demanding Interest from Swimming South Africa Over Late Financial Payments
Olympic champion Tatjana Smith (nee Schoenmaker) is on the attack against Swimming South Africa (SSA), accusing the governing body of delayed prize-money payments and retaining the interest on the earnings once payment was made. Attorneys for Smith have drafted a letter to SSA alleging that the federation kept the interest on $35,000 won by Smith at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka.
Swimming South Africa has an abysmal record of treatment of its athletes, including those at the pinnacle of the sport. In the past, the organization has provided minimal support of Olympic medalists, and has even forced athletes to pay their own way to major competitions. The case of Smith is simply another indication of SSA not doing right by its athletes, particularly those who have brought sporting glory to the country through prominent performances.
The attorneys for Smith, a four-time Olympic medalist in breaststrove events, told the Daily Maverick that interest on withheld funds should be paid, and that the pursuit of interest is about the principle of the situation – especially given the track record of Swimming South Africa. The letter by the Smith camp indicates that if the interest is not paid, further steps will be taken.
The money earned by Smith at the World Championships in Fukuoka was not paid out until more than a year later.
“It’s more of a principle thing. Tatjana and (husband) Joel feel that athletes cannot be deprived of receiving their prize money years later, years after they’ve won the medals,” attorneys for Smith told the Daily Maverick. “At least if they pay it late, they should at least then pay some form of interest as well.”
Smith’s demand comes on the heels of SSA President Alan Fritz and CEO Shaun Adriaanse being suspended by the Aquatics Integrity Unit, the disciplinary arm of World Aquatics. Fritz and Adriaanse have been accused of potentially violating the World Aquatics Integrity Code through abuse of power and providing false information.
