Vanuatu swimmers Chloe Ameara and Rémy Idieder have set new national records on Day 3 of the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, improving their own times in the 100 metres backstroke events.

Chloe recorded 1 minute 30.71 seconds in the Women’s 100m Backstroke, while Rémy finished the Men’s 100m Backstroke in 1 minute 13.02 seconds.

Both swimmers finished fifth in their respective heats and placed 29th overall.

Chloe Breaks Her Own National Record

Chloe, who is making her Youth Olympic Games debut as Vanuatu’s first female swimmer at the event, improved her previous national record in the Women’s 100m Backstroke.

Her new time of 1:30.71 beats the 1:31.07 she recorded at the Oceania Championships in Fiji in May.

Vanuatu Aquatics Federation Technical Director and coach in Dakar, Ben Howard, said Chloe’s performance was a reward for her dedication and hard work, particularly as she prepared for the competition while also managing her final school examinations.

Rémy Sets Another National Record

Rémy also improved his own national record in the Men’s 100m Backstroke, finishing in 1:13.02.

His previous record was 1:13.88, set at the Oceania Championships in Fiji.

Howard said Rémy’s achievement demonstrated the importance of good preparation and maintaining a positive attitude towards improvement.

More Events Ahead for the Vanuatu Swimmers

Chloe and Rémy are scheduled to return to the pool today, Thursday, 5 November, in Dakar.

Chloe is set to compete in the Women’s 50m Backstroke and 50m Breaststroke, while Rémy will take part in the Men’s 50m Backstroke.

Their earlier events included the Women’s 50m Freestyle for Chloe and the Men’s 200m Individual Medley for Rémy on Wednesday, 4 November.

The two national records mark another achievement for Vanuatu swimming, with both young athletes continuing to gain experience and develop their performances on the international stage.