Rémy Idieder makes history with Youth Olympic Games debut

Media Release

Vanuatu Aquatics Federation

2 November 2026

Fifteen-year-old Rémy Idieder has made history by becoming the first Vanuatu Aquatics Federation (VAF) swimmer to compete at a Youth Olympic Games, taking to the pool at the Complexe Tour de l’Oeuf (Egg Tower Complex) in Dakar, Senegal, on Day 2 of the competition.

Swimming in Heat 2, Lane 6 of the Men’s 100m Freestyle, Rémy recorded a time of 1:04.89 to finish fifth in his heat and 69th overall. His time was just outside his own National Junior Record of 1:04.10, set earlier this year at the Oceania Championships in Fiji.

Speaking from Dakar following his race, Rémy said:

“I am very proud to become Vanuatu’s first swimmer at a Youth Olympic Games. While I was hoping to swim a little faster today, I learnt a lot from the race and identified some areas I need to improve in my preparation for competition at this level. I’m looking forward to putting that into action in my next race tomorrow. I’d like to thank everyone back home in Vanuatu for the support Chloe and I have received. It really helps to motivate us.”

Rémy will return to the pool on Day 3 of competition, Tuesday 3 November. He will be joined by Vanuatu’s Opening Ceremony flag bearer, Chloe Ameara, who will make history as Vanuatu’s first female swimmer to compete at a Youth Olympic Games.

Commenting on Rémy’s performance, VAF Technical Director and Coach in Dakar, Ben Howard, said:

“I was really pleased with the way Rémy executed his race today. This is only Rémy’s second ever swimming competition and it is all about him learning and improving for the future. There are some adjustments we need to make to his preparation and we’re already working on those ahead of the remainder of the competition. Everyone at VAF is incredibly proud of this historic moment for our organisation, and I can’t wait to see what Chloe and Rémy can produce over the remaining three days of competition.”

The swimming heats continue at 10.00 am local time (9.00 pm in Vanuatu) on Tuesday 3 November at the Complexe Tour de l’Oeuf (Egg Tower Complex) in Dakar, Senegal.

Full results from Day 2

NR = National Record
NJR = National Junior Record
PB = Personal Best

Men’s 100m Freestyle