South Africa’s Swimming Champion Tatjana Schoenmaker Sets Historic New World Record at the Tokyo Olympics

““If you can’t outplay them, outwork them.”

– Ben Hogan”

Early life

24-year-old Tatjana Schoenmaker from Johannesburg, South Africa is a professional swimmer who specializes in breaststroke events. She began swimming at the very young age of 5 and by the time she was 8 she was already competing. It was her parents who recognized her talent and decided that she would pursue it seriously. She made her international debut in 2017 at the World University Games and placed second in the 200m breaststroke. 

Achievements

Since 2017, her career has gained spectacular speed and within the following year, at the Commonwealth Games, Schoenmaker won 2 gold medals in the 100m and 20m breaststroke events and made her mark in the international circuit. In 2019, at the World University Games as well, she won gold in both the 100m and 200m events. In the same year, she competed at the World Championship and won the silver medal, becoming the first female South African swimmer to win a medal at the world championships, says the IOC website. 

Record-breaking Tokyo Olympic victory

Schoenmaker made her Olympic debut in Tokyo and has already become a two-time Olympic medallist. First, when she won a silver in the women’s 100m breaststroke event and the second, her golden victory in the 200m breaststroke. This victory is significant for numerous reasons as it is not only her first Olympic gold, but also South Africa’s in this Summer Olympics.

She set a new Olympic and world record in the 200m breaststroke and also became the first female South African athlete to win Olympic gold in swimming since Penelope Heyns in the 1996 Olympic Games. Her dedication, determination and passion have been applauded by fellow competitors and athletes worldwide and her historic achievements are an example for young girls and boys around the world who need the motivation to make their dreams a reality. 

#GCPWishesTatjanaSchoenmaker #GCPAWishesOlympians

Team Global Child Prodigy Congratulates Tatjana Schoenmaker for winning Gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This will inspire millions of people worldwide, including children who aspire to be like her. 

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