Tatjana Smith (née Schoenmaker) is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and South Africa’s most decorated swimmer, winning both the 200m breaststroke in Tokyo and the 100m in Paris, while setting Olympic and world records along the way.
Her journey transcends medals. As a motivational speaker, she translates her rigorous mental resilience into leadership lessons for executives, athletes, and teams particularly around sustaining peak performance and balancing well-being. She candidly addresses the mental pressures of elite sport and the journey to define purpose beyond competition, making her insights deeply human and relatable.
Tatjana Smith stands as a symbol of excellence, having achieved the pinnacle of success as an Olympic champion. Her journey to gold began at an early age, displaying exceptional talent in swimming and a relentless commitment to her sport. Competing in international arenas, Tatjana consistently impressed audiences and judges alike with her precision, strength, and grace.
Her crowning achievement came at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she claimed her Olympic gold, solidifying her place as one of the greatest in her field. Her story of triumph is not just one of physical prowess but also of mental resilience, making her an ideal motivational speaker for diverse audiences.
Throughout her career, Tatjana has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to her craft. From waking up at dawn for training sessions to enduring rigorous mental and physical challenges, she has mastered the art of perseverance. Her background is steeped in overcoming obstacles, both personal and professional, and it is this journey that forms the foundation of her powerful keynote addresses. Tatjana’s speeches are enriched with real-world insights that inspire audiences to tap into their own potential and push beyond their limits.
Tatjana Smith’s influence at events goes beyond recounting her athletic achievements. She delves into the strategies that helped her maintain focus under pressure, the importance of resilience in achieving long-term goals, and how mental fortitude can shape success in any endeavor. Her ability to connect with audiences, no matter their background or industry, makes her a highly sought-after speaker. Whether addressing corporate leaders, aspiring athletes, or students, Tatjana tailors her messages to resonate deeply with her listeners, encouraging them to embrace challenges and push forward.
Tatjana Smith’s journey from Olympic champion to motivational speaker is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and mental fortitude. Her captivating storytelling, combined with her practical advice, makes her a compelling choice for event planners seeking a speaker who can both inspire and motivate. Whether addressing corporate leaders, athletes, or students, Tatjana Smith’s message resonates with audiences of all backgrounds, leaving them empowered to achieve their own version of success.
Tatjana is only available for moderated sessions or fireside chats.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and view our International site
This Olympic roundup highlights Africa’s standout moments on the global stage. The segment opens with South Africa’s Tatjana Smith, who overcame burnout and nearly quitting the sport to claim her country’s first gold medal at the Games. Already the Tokyo 200m breaststroke champion, she now eyes a historic double, hoping to emulate Penny Heyns as only the second woman ever to win both the 100m and 200m breaststroke.
Attention then shifts to Alan Hatherly, who secured a bronze medal in mountain bike cross-country. His performance was historic, marking Africa’s first-ever Olympic medal in this discipline and South Africa’s first cycling medal since the 1950s. At age 28, Hatherly is entering his peak years and is tipped as a strong gold medal contender for Los Angeles 2028.
The video also celebrates Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, who earned their first Olympic victory in 20 years by defeating world number three Australia 75–62. Despite being denied participation in their opening ceremony parade, the team displayed resilience, with Ezenwa Kalu leading with 19 points. The team’s triumph was hailed as a moment of pride for Nigeria and the continent.
Finally, the spotlight turns to South Sudan’s men’s basketball team. At their Olympic debut, they impressed by narrowly losing to the United States by just one point before dismantling Puerto Rico. Their next challenge against Serbia could secure a historic progression to the next round. Led by federation president and former NBA star Luol Deng, the team embodies a new chapter in African basketball excellence.
00:00 — Host introduces Africa’s Olympic highlights from Johannesburg.
00:30 — Tatjana Smith’s gold medal story, overcoming doubts to achieve greatness.
01:25 — The legacy of Penny Heyns and Smith’s shot at breaststroke history.
02:00 — Alan Hatherly wins bronze, Africa’s first MTB cross-country medal.
02:45 — Hatherly’s future prospects heading into the 2028 Olympics.
03:15 — Nigeria women’s basketball secure first Olympic win in 20 years, defeating Australia.
04:00 — Ezenwa Kalu’s standout performance highlighted.
04:30 — South Sudan’s inspiring debut, near-upset vs USA, and victory over Puerto Rico.
05:15 — The role of Luol Deng in building South Sudanese basketball success.
05:45 — Closing remarks on Africa’s growing Olympic impact.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
A1. Life strategy she uses sport to illuminate universal leadership dynamics.
A2. Yes her narrative bridges personal resilience with organizational wellness.
A3. Absolutely her story echoes for anyone facing high expectations.
For Meeting Planners
This PowerPoint slide above is designed for meeting planners.
Register for FREE and simply click the URL link for automatic download of the PPTX slide.
We have created a simple “ABOUT” single slide which you can instantly insert into your pitch deck when submitting speaker proposals.
Features:
Nambitha Mpumlwana wears many hats from businesswoman, humanitarian, philanthropist, charity patron and many more. She is an inspirational, dynamic woman whose talent has touched many people. As a corporate programme director and event MC, she commands a room with elegance, intelligence, and charm. She is known for expertly balancing seriousness with warmth, seamlessly guiding conferences, […]
The energetic, empowering, sharp-witted, and dynamically skilled talent of Liezel van der Westhuizen brings life and success to events, television & radio shows, and entrepreneurial journeys worldwide. Seasoned and very much in demand, it is fascinating that the towering communication talent, nicknamed ‘The Giraffe’ in The Sunday Times, was "discovered" in a behind-the-scenes gig by […]
Simone Musgrave is a woman of class and integrity but that does not mean that a sense of adventure and lust for the unusual has failed her. To think that her life has been a conventional one would be a grave misinterpretation of a woman who continues to inspire us with her success and determination […]
Penny Heyns is an international speaker, Penny Heyns has established herself as the world’s greatest female breaststroker of the 20th century, by becoming the only woman in Olympic history to win both the 100 and the 200 meter breaststroke events in Atlanta 1996, bronze in Sydney 2000 and by breaking a total of 14 individual […]
Lynette Ntuli is a visionary leader and trailblazer in property development, infrastructure, and enterprise asset management. As the Founding Director and CEO of Innate Investment Solutions, a distinguished professional services firm in the built environment, she spearheads a team dedicated to providing unparalleled property and infrastructure development services alongside cutting-edge enterprise asset management solutions. With […]
Captain Londy Ngcobo is a distinguished figure in the maritime industry, acclaimed as a Global Ship Navigator and Africa’s First Female Dredge Master. Her unwavering passion for unlocking Africa’s oceanic potential has defined her illustrious career spanning over 13 years. With a robust educational background in Maritime Studies and extensive experience in International Merchant shipping, […]
Phumzile Chifunyise stands at the forefront of a transformative movement in Africa’s business landscape. As the Founder of The Crop Box and CEO of GreenNatives Pty Ltd, she is a visionary leader with a passion for fostering inclusive growth and empowerment. With a mission to break barriers and create opportunities for marginalized groups, Phumzile’s work […]
Karyn Maughan is a senior legal journalist at News24, documentary producer and bestselling author. She appears on SABC, Newzroom Afrika and eNCA. She is a BBC contributor. She was the associate producer on aN Amazon Prime Documentary on Oscar Pistorius. The four-part series, called “Pistorius” and was shortlisted for the prestigious Grierson award. She also […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
