Media Release
Vanuatu Aquatics Federation
November 3 2026
Day 3 of competition at the Complexe Tour de l’Oeuf (Egg Tower Complex) in Dakar, Senegal, proved a successful one for the Vanuatu Aquatics Federation, with swimmers Chloe Ameara and Rémy Idieder both setting new Senior and Junior National Records at the Youth Olympic Games.
Making her Youth Olympic Games debut as Vanuatu’s first female swimmer, Chloe Ameara swam 1:30.71 in the Women’s 100m Backstroke to lower her previous Senior and Junior National Record of 1:31.07, set at the Oceania Championships in Fiji in May. Swimming in Heat 1, Lane 2, she finished fifth in her heat and 29th overall.
Speaking from Dakar following her Youth Olympic Games debut, Chloe said:
“It was a cool experience to make my Youth Olympic Games debut and even better to have done a personal best and broken my own national record. While I was happy with my swim, there are a few technical things I know I can improve on and go even faster in the future. It’s a nice pool to swim in and it is a fast competition, which is really inspiring me to get better. The people of Senegal have been so welcoming, and I can’t wait for my next race tomorrow.”
Rémy Idieder returned to the pool for the Men’s 100m Backstroke, recording a time of 1:13.02 to lower his previous Senior and Junior National Record of 1:13.88, set at the Oceania Championships in Fiji in May. Swimming in Heat 1, Lane 2, he finished fifth in his heat and 29th overall.
Commenting on his swim, Rémy said:
“I was happy with my swim and while there is room for improvement, I am pleased that my preparation over the last 24 hours has paid dividends. Chloe and I attended a workshop with Emma McKeon last night, Australia’s most successful Olympian and a Youth Olympic Games champion, which further cemented the many learnings I will take away from this competition and helped inspire my performance today.”
Chloe and Rémy will return to the pool on Day 4 of competition, Wednesday 4 November, with Chloe contesting the Women’s 50m Freestyle and Rémy competing in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley.
Commenting on Chloe and Rémy’s performances, VAF Technical Director and Coach in Dakar, Ben Howard, said:
“It was so nice to see Chloe make her Youth Olympic Games debut; it’s a great reward for her persistence as one of the core members of our national team over the past three years. Her dedication and preparation while also juggling her final school examinations have been nothing short of remarkable, and I am delighted she achieved a result that reflects the work she has put in.”
“Yesterday, we weren’t happy with where Rémy’s preparation was and, following an honest discussion, he took full ownership and completely changed his approach over the next 24 hours. He was rewarded with another national record. We’re here to learn and improve, so this is a significant step in the right direction. I’m looking forward to seeing how that improved preparation impacts the remainder of his competition.”
The swimming heats continue at 10.00 am local time (9.00 pm in Vanuatu) on Wednesday 4 November at the Complexe Tour de l’Oeuf (Egg Tower Complex) in Dakar, Senegal.
Full results from Day 3
NR = National Record
NJR = National Junior Record
PB = Personal Best
Women’s 100m Backstroke
- Chloe Ameara: 29th (1:30.71) – NR, NJR & PB
Men’s 100m Backstroke
- Rémy Idieder: 29th (1:13.02) – NR, NJR & PB
Remaining Competition Schedule
Wednesday 4 November
- Women’s 50m Freestyle: Chloe Ameara
- Heat 2, Lane 8 at 10:02 am local time (9:02 pm in Vanuatu)
- Men’s 200m Individual Medley: Rémy Idieder
- Heat 2, Lane 8 at 10:51pm local time (9:51 pm in Vanuatu)
Thursday 5 November
- Women’s 50m Backstroke: Chloe Ameara
- Men’s 50m Backstroke: Rémy Idieder
- Women’s 50m Breaststroke: Chloe Ameara
