Loane Russet OLY at the Commonwealth Games
News Brief:
Loane Russet OLY has closed out the Vanuatu Aquatics Federation’s first Commonwealth Games, with a season’s best in the women’s 50m freestyle. Despite a tough meet, Loane rallied in the final swim, executing a great race to swim a 28.11. It was narrowly outside her 2025 record of 27.97. Swimming in lane 1 of heat 4, Loane finished 6th in her heat and 47th overall.
Commenting on her competition, Loane Russet OLY said “The Commonwealth Games has been a wonderful experience so far. I wasn’t exactly where I wanted to be with my swims, my goal here was to hand out my best performances but unfortunately it did not happen. However, I analysed every single detail of my races to see where I had to improve, and I’m now more motivated than ever to get back into training and come back faster. On behalf of the swimming team, we just want to thank everyone who came and supported us in person and/or sent well wishes from back home, it means the world to us.”
Earlier, Léo Lebot closed out his debut Commonwealth Games, with his third national record from as many events. Léo clocked a 28.67 in the men’s 50m butterfly, eclipsing his previous record of 28.93, set back in May at the Oceania Championships in Fiji. Swimming in lane 7 of heat 3, Léo finished 5th in his heat and 61st overall.
Vanuatu Team Manager, Ben Howard added “I really loved Loane’s performance today, putting a tough week behind her with a great swim, it showed real resilience. She’ll be much better for the experience, which will benefit her in future competitions. Léo finished off the week in perfect fashion, another national record, it is fantastic to see him deliver race after race.”
The Vanuatu Aquatics Federation will now turn its attention to the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar (Senegal) in October and November, and the World Short Course Championships in Beijing (China) in December.