Loane Russet Makes History in Glasgow

Loane Russet OLY at the Commonwealth Games

News Brief:

Not content with being Vanuatu’s first female Olympic swimmer or World Championships competitor, Loane Russet OLY has made further history by being Vanuatu’s first ever swimmer to compete at a Commonwealth Games, swimming the 50m butterfly at Glasgow 2026. In front of a sell-out crowd, Loane swimming in Heat 2 and Lane 4, finished 5th in her heat by swimming a time of 32.34 to finish 49th overall.

Commenting on the significance of the achievement and her swim Loane Russet said “I never take these occasions for granted and while I am the first, it’s very important to me that I make the most of the opportunities and create pathways for others to follow, to ensure I’m not the last. While I was disappointed with my swim and it was not the result I wanted, it was good to get the first race out of the way. After my post-race review with my coach, I understand where I went wrong and will spend the next few days to address, to ensure I am ready for Sunday.”

Loane will continue her competition with her two favoured events, the women’s 100m freestyle on Sunday and the women’s 50m freestyle on Tuesday.

Vanuatu Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (VASANOC) CEO, David Lolo added “It’s always pleasing to see another sport make their debut at a major competition and it was a privilege to watch Loane make history by being the first Vanuatu swimmer at a Commonwealth Games today in Glasgow. Congratulation to the Vanuatu Aquatics Federation for continuing their development as a national federation and positively contributing to Team Vanuatu.”

The competition continues on Saturday 25th July, with Robsen Dick and Léo Lebot becoming Vanuatu’s first male swimmers at a Commonwealth Games competing in the Men’s 50m Freestyle . The heats begin at 10:30am local time (8:30pm in Vanuatu).

The full list of events is:

Saturday 25th July:

Sunday 26th July:

Monday 27th July:

Tuesday 28th July: