CHUNGJU - Joanie Delgaco has made history by becoming the first Filipino female rower to qualify for the Olympics, securing her place at the Paris Games during the World Rowing Asian and Oceania Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta and Asian Rowing Cup this Sunday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Delgaco, a 26-year-old from Iriga City, Camarines Sur, finished fourth in the 2,000-meter women's single sculls event in South Korea. Her qualification marks her as the eleventh athlete from the Philippines to earn a spot at the upcoming Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11. "Very happy. This is the result of all my hard work. I didn't expect this," Delgaco expressed her joy post-race.
Previous Filipino rowers who have participated in the Olympics include Edgardo Maerina (1988 Seoul), Benjamin Tolentino Jr. (2000 Sydney), and Cris Nievarez (2022 Tokyo). Delgaco's success adds to a growing list of Filipino athletes qualified for Paris, including gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, and Filipino-American LeVi Jung-Ruivivar, who recently won silver at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino highlighted the nation's pride in its Olympians' dedication and perseverance. He noted that the official roster might soon include weightlifter Rosegie Ramos as the twelfth qualifier, pending confirmation from the International Weightlifting Federation.
Further, the Philippines is expected to receive three more spots under the universality rule for athletics and swimming. "We expect more of our athletes to be in Paris as the qualifiers in various sports are still being conducted," Tolentino stated, signaling an optimistic outlook for the country’s representation in the upcoming Games.