Tatjana Schoenmaker, a gold medalist and record-breaking swimmer, was meant to graduate this week, so her family had a little celebration in her honour, including a cut-out of Ouma and Oupa!
Pretoria, South Africa (05 May 2020) -Tatjana Schoenmaker is a gold medalist and record-breaking swimmer. She has flown the South African flag high on many international stages!
During 2018, Schoenmaker set an African swimming record at the Commonwealth Games for the 100-metre breaststroke. During her time at the Commonwealth Games, she earned two gold medals for South Africa.
Then, last year, she beat her personal best with a time of 1 minute and 6.32 seconds in the semifinals of the World Student Games. She then went on to win the gold in the final with a time of 1 minute and 6.42 seconds.
2020 would have been another step up in her sporting career, Tatjana was set to graduate from the University of Pretoria (TUKS) and go on to represent South Africa at the Japan Olympics, where we were hopeful of her success. Like many athletes, that was all put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While it was a disappointment, Tatjana’s family made sure she could have her graduation. The family celebrated her and included her grandparents, who were present for the photos in the form of cutouts.
Tatjana shared the exciting day with all her followers on Twitter. Team South Africa reached out to offer their congratulations.
GRADUATION DAY đ©đ»âđ As student athlete I am happy to say “I made it.” It was a tough but achievable journey!! Grateful for all the people who had part in getting me here today.đđ»Blessed to have still celebrated this day despite the circumstancesâ€ïžđđ»@SpeedoSA @TuksSport #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/0IbxmFLzvU
â Tatjana Schoenmaker (@TRSchoenmaker) May 4, 2020