A heartwarming photo of Siya Kolisi and Tatjana Smith celebrating their sporting achievements together as family has gone viral, spreading joy and pride across South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa (24 August 2024) – South Africans are incredibly proud of our sportsmen and women, and it’s easy to see why. They continually bring joy and inspiration to our lives, not just through their exceptional talents but also through their uplifting spirits and the connections they share.
This week, we were given yet another reason to beam with pride when a photo of two of our national treasures, Siya Kolisi and Tatjana Smith, went viral—giving us all the feels.
But these two aren’t just linked by their outstanding sporting achievements. They’re family.
In a beautifully touching Instagram post, Siya, the captain of the Springboks, shared a photo that has since captured the hearts of thousands. The picture shows Siya standing proudly next to Olympic swimmer Tatjana, both holding their hard-earned medals.
The caption reads, “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. ~Psalm 126:3. FAMILY BUSINESS ❤️🙏🏾”
For those who might not know, Tatjana (née Schoenmaker), who recently became Tatjana Smith after marrying Joel Smith in November 2023, is now part of the Kolisi family. Joel is the brother of Rachel Kolisi, Siya’s wife, making Tatjana and Siya family in more ways than one. This connection between two of South Africa’s finest athletes adds a layer of warmth and pride to the already powerful image.
The photo quickly went viral, racking up over 57,000 likes and countless comments of love and support from fans. But the image is more than just a picture; it’s a symbol of unity, family, and the incredible things that can happen when we come together.
Moments like these remind us of the joy that comes from celebrating each other’s successes and how our athletes are not just individuals but part of a bigger family—both literally and figuratively.
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