Two of Vanuatu’s best swimmers will be jetting off to Qatar in February to participate in the World Aquatics Championship in Doha next month.
21-year-old Johnathan Silas from Tanna and Loanne Russet of the French Russets in Vanuatu will be in the international stage flying the Vanuatu colours.
Evidence and Impact Officer from the Vanuatu Aquatics Federation (VAF), Nerolyne Kapapa, and Development Facilitator Glenda George, said they have confidence in the male swimmers since they have very good swimming skills in the free style, backstroke and butterfly stroke events.
VAF is diligently preparing for two major events set to make waves this year has its sights firmly set on the highly anticipated World Aquatic Championship scheduled to take place from February 2nd to 18th.
Preparations are taking place now at the Holiday Inn resort and American coach Nick and other Vanuatu instructors are there to make sure the boys get the best preparations in advance.
Swimmer Silas said as Vanuatu’s ambassador internationally, he intends to put on his best performances to make his country proud.
“This is a very big challenge for me having to perform in this global event, the world championship. I will get to compete against world champions and I am glad that I will learn a lot of them,” he said.
As he advances in his career, his goal is to secure medals and gain valuable experience by competing alongside international stars.
Following the World Aquatic Championship, the focus will shift to the prestigious Paris Olympics scheduled for July.
This would be Silas’ and Russet’s second appearance on the international stage after the first in Trinidad and Tobago and Japan in 2023.
VAF is also involved in kids training programs around seven schools in three offshore islands including Lelepa, Nguna, Pele and the East Efate area of Epau, Eton and Ekipe.
Rural areas also include Erakor and the mama’s at seafront Aqua Aerobics sessions.
VAF asked that all interested kids and adults should notify them in order to get them started with the initial preparations should as consent forms for kids to parents.
The federation also thanked Team Up Vanuatu for its generous sponsorship and Holiday inn for using their facilities during training sessions.