GOLDEN GIRL

South Africa’s Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker chats exclusively to IOL Sport.

SOUTH Africa’s Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker has been a busy woman since her achievements in the Tokyo swimming pool last year.

The 24-year-old recently took some time out of her busy schedule to have a light-hearted chat with IOL Sport at an event hosted by one of her sponsors, Under Armour, in Cape Town.

What is the weirdest thing to happen to you since winning gold at the Olympics?

It is sometimes a bit weird when someone meets you in the shop, and says “I saw your car and followed you here” … and I’d be like where did you follow me from?

What advice would give your 19-year-old self?

Just do what you’re doing. It would just be a reminder to keep believing and having faith.

If you had a fire at your home, what would be the first thing you would grab?

We actually had this conversation as a family recently. I would definitely take photo albums. Those are memories that you can never get back. You want to show your husband and your little kids how you looked as a baby.

What’s your favourite dessert?

Oh no … too many. I’m a sweet tooth. If I had to choose it would be a very nice moist carrot cake.

What is your one habit that you wish you could break?

Training is very early so I just leave. I would like to make my bed in the morning.

What was your worst subject at school?

Science. I just never enjoyed it.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Ooh … celebrity crush … let’s go with Bradley Cooper!

Relaxing with the man in her life.

What colour was your matric ball dress?

It was plain black. Very simple. We had a very small school and I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on the outfit. I literally bought anything that remotely looked like a matric ball dress.

Is it Cape Town or Pretoria for you?

Cape Town! I am not even going to try and lie to you.

So, is it the Stormers or the Bulls?

The Bulls. My heart is still at Loftus although my body wants to be in Cape Town! (laughs out loud)

Above: South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker (L) reacts after setting a new world record in the women’s 200m breaststroke at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Bottom right: Proudly posing after winning gold in the final of the 200m breaststroke event at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

Above: South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker (L) reacts after setting a new world record in the women’s 200m breaststroke at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.