SA's Golden Girl Tatjana ready to help new swim stars

Tatjana Smith, South Africa's most-decorated Olympian, is hoping to use her experience on the global stage to guide the careers of future swimming stars after calling it quits in Paris.

Smith bowed out with gold in the 100m breaststroke and silver in the 200m breaststroke, switching her podium positions from Tokyo.

Now, at the still tender age of 27, she is planning a career out of the pool.

Smith said while she is looking forward to adjusting to a less-regimented life, she is already sketching out a role in athlete representation.

"I'd love to do that. Especially in South Africa, we don't have anyone that really truly represents swimmers, understands how we think as swimmers," she said.

Smith is motivated to help the next generation reach the top, and is acutely aware of the obstacles in their path.