Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker named as a Discovery Vitality Ambassador

JOHANNESBURG, 20 October 2021 - Discovery is proud to announce Tatjana Schoenmaker (24) as a Discovery Vitality Ambassador. The South African swimming sensation has recently returned home from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after winning a gold medal and setting the world record in the 200 m breaststroke, as well as bringing home silver in the 100 m breaststroke.

"We are delighted and honoured to welcome Tatjana to the Discovery family," says Firoze Bhorat, Chief Marketing Officer of Discovery. "Her dedication to her sport and grace under pressure make her an inspiration to all young South Africans. She is the epitome of what it means to be a champion - focused, positive, and driven to succeed."

After missing out on qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by one-hundredth of a second, a disappointed Tatjana briefly considered giving up swimming. She soon overcame this, refusing to relinquish her dream of competing at the highest level. She went on to show the mental strength and physical form that have made her an Olympic champion.

Tatjana joins fellow Discovery ambassadors Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Chad le Clos, Wayde van Niekerk, Caster Semenya, Lucas Radebe and Kgothatso 'KG' Montjane, all of whom help motivate and inspire individuals to be healthier.

Tatjana made her international debut in 2017 at the World University Games. She won gold medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2019 World University Games. Tatjana was the first female South African swimmer to win a medal at the World Championships, cementing her place on the international circuit.

"Tatjana is a true national hero," adds Bhorat. "Even more than her sporting achievements, her passion, determination and sportsmanship make her a shining example for young boys and girls. She is testament to how having a goal and working hard to achieve that goal, for many years and amid setbacks, will pay off in the end. We look forward to watching the career of this outstanding young woman and are excited to have her on board as a Discovery Vitality Ambassador."

For Tatjana, focusing on her own purpose in life is key to her success. "Sporting heroes like Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt and our own Penny Heyns have inspired me to want to go to the highest level of sporting achievement, but I have never dreamt of being anyone but myself," says Tatjana. "I always wanted to create my own way in swimming."

Tatjana is delighted to team up with the Discovery team as she strongly identifies with the purpose of inspiring individuals to be healthier and more active. Discovery's global ambition is to make 100 million people 20% more active by 2025. As a Discovery Ambassador and ideal role model to young South Africans, Tatiana can help us achieve this ambition by inspiring others to become more active.