Tejana Smith, South Africa's most decorated Olympic athlete, has left the national team and will compete for the Netherlands as they aim to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Smith (née Sandler) has been in a legal battle with the South African Swimming Federation (SSA), which has failed to pay her the prize money she earned for her wins and silver medals at the 2023 World Championships. The SSA also tried to keep accrued interest as an "administrative fee."
In a recent interview, Smith spoke out against mismanagement and abuse of power by members of the federation's board.
SSA athletes are expected to pay their own travel and accommodation expenses during the competition.
Meanwhile, sports minister and armed robbery convict Guyton McKenzie attended the 2026 World Cup, a trip that cost taxpayers nearly $2 million.