The Vanuatu Aquatic Federation will be sending two swimmers to compete in the 2024 Olympics, taking place in Paris later this month.  

Johnathan Silas and Loane Russet will be accompanied by the Vanuatu Aquatics Technical director, Ben Howard. The team is set to leave the Vanuatu on 18 July 2024.

VAF is proud to have athletes qualify at Olympic level two swimmers earning their place through hard work over the past years, having participate in regional and international events at which they consistently set personal bests times and national records.

Loane and Johnathan will participate in the swimming program during the first week of the Games in Paris with events from the 27 of July to 4of August.

Ben Howard noted what a big achievement it is for a small sports federation in the Pacific to have two young athletes qualify for this major internation event.

 ‘It’s an historic moment for the Vanuatu Aquatics Federation, a very young federation, to have two athletes selected to represent Vanuatu in swimming at the Olympic Games for the first time.

‘Full credit to Loane and Johnathan who have worked incredibly hard over several years to realise their dreams. They are outstanding young people, and we wish them every success in Paris Howard said.

VASANOC CEO David Lolo added how pleased the NOC was to have swimmers as part of Team Vanuatu, representing the small Pacific nation at the Olympics’.

‘The NOC is very pleased and excited to have two swim athletes, Johnathan Silas and Loane Russet compete at Paris 2024. We have watched the progress of both over the last year and a half having competed in World champs, Oceania champs and Johnathan at Solomons 2023. We look forward to July when they both create another small bit of history for Vanuatu sport.’

VAF wishes to acknowledge the coaches, administrators, swimmers, volunteers, and partners who have all supported the federation and especially, Loane and Johnathan in this journey.

Follow all the updates on event schedules and results on our Facebook page, as we follow the progress of our VAF team in Paris.