Philippines’ First Female Rower Qualifies for Olympics
Joanie Delgaco becomes the Philippines’ first female rower to qualify for the Olympics as she clinches her Paris Games berth through the World Rowing Asian and Oceanian Qualification Regatta.
Historic Achievement
The Philippines will have its first female rower in the Olympics as the country celebrates its 100th year of participation in the Summer Games. Joanie Delgaco booked her ticket to the Paris Games after placing fourth in the Final A of the women’s single sculls in the World Rowing Asian and Oceanian Qualification Regatta in Chungju, South Korea.
Impressive Performance
The 26-year-old Delgaco clocked 7:49.39 as she secured one of the five Paris berths up for grabs in the event. Overall, Delgaco became the fourth Filipino rower to qualify for the Olympics.
Delgaco’s Journey
- Delgaco advanced to the Final A by finishing second in her semifinal race with a time 8:05.87.
- She also placed second in the preliminary heats by recording 8:04.96.
Words of Success
“I never imagined that I’ll reach this far. Before, the stronger rowers used to get past me easily. Now, I’m able to beat them,” Delgaco told Radyo Sports Pilipinas in Filipino.
“All of my hardships in this competition bore fruit,” said Delgaco.
Joining Elite Company
Delgaco joins other Filipino athletes who have qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, including pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, and Levi Jung-Ruivivar, boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas, and weightlifters Elreen Ando, John Ceniza, and Vanessa Sarno.
Preparation for Paris
They will participate in a month-long training camp in Metz, France, before the Olympics.