August 23 2024

Vanuatu was represented in the swimming events at the recent Paris2024 by Vanuatu Aquatics athletes Johnathan Silas and Loane Russet.

The Olympics is the pinnacle multisport event, held every 4 years, bringing together athletes from all around the world and the 2024 games were held in Paris, from 26 July to 11 August.

The VAF teens, 19-year-old Johnathan and 18-year-old Loane, were accompanied by VAF team manager Ben Howard, having been among the Vanuatu athletes successfully selected as the national swimmers to represent the country on the global stage.

They competed alongside the world’s best, showing determination and skill. Their commitment was showcased by the outstanding performances from the pair in the pool.

The two swimmers had undergone a six-week- training program at Holiday Inn in Port Vila, in preparation for the Games.

Johnathan and Loane participated in the 100m and 50m Men’s and Women’s Free style events, with their results. Setting new national records and personal bests for each.

RESULTS:

100 metres:

• Johnathan Silas: 59.38 seconds (new PB & national) Previous record 1.01.06 min

50 metres:

• Loane Russet: 28.86 seconds (new PB & national) Previous record 29.33

Johnathan Silas participated in the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands, the World Aquatics Championships and the Oceania Championships in the past 12 months. While Loane Russet also competed in the 2024 World Aquatics and Oceania Championships, alongside other swimmers in the Vanuatu national squad. However, Loane and Johnathan were the only two selected to participate at the Paris Olympics.

‘If I had to summarize this experience into one word, it would be: incredible. My first Olympics was and will always be my greatest achievement. Being able to represent my country at such a high level makes me so proud. To be able to swim amongst some of the greatest swimmers as well as seeing how dedicated they are to their sport, made me realize how important swimming is to me and how passionate I am about it. Concerning my event, I am happy to have reached my goal, which was to finish with a time of under 29s and set a new national record. I will never forget the amazing moments I had alongside my team, and I will always look back to these wonderful moments.’ said Loane.

Team Manager Ben Howard added how he was proud of Loane and Johnathan’s accomplishments at the Olympics’ I couldn’t be prouder of both Johnathan and Loane, they did the hard work leading into the Games and prepared really well in Paris. To have one swim, making your Olympic debut in front of over 17,000 fans and smash your best time, is a credit to their preparation for the Games. I really hope this is not the end but the beginning for these two incredibly talented young athletes that made history in Paris as Vanuatu’s first Olympic swimmers.’

The exceptional performance from these two athletes underlined their dedication and hard work, in making the most of this special opportunity.

The Vanuatu Aquatic Federation extends its heartfelt congratulations to Johnathan and Loane on their remarkable accomplishment and looks forward to witnessing their continued success in future international events.

VAF acknowledge its sponsors World Aquatics, VASANOC and especially Holiday Inn, for the continuous support towards the high-performance events, without which attendance and successful performance events, without which attendance and successful performance would not have been possible.

ENDS.