Joanie Delgaco

Joanie Delgaco: From Olympic Dreams to Unforgettable Journey!

Filipina rower Joanie Delgaco may have finished last in the quarterfinals, but her journey is just beginning!

Joanie Delgaco, the trailblazing Filipina rower, faced a tough fate at the 2024 Paris Olympics as she finished in last place during the women’s single sculls quarterfinals. Despite the disappointment, she remains determined to finish her Olympic journey on a high note with her last two races, aiming for the best possible ranking of 13th. It’s a heartbreaking moment for Delgaco, who had dreams of standing atop the podium but encountered fierce competition in this prestigious event.

Delgaco clocked in at a time of 7:58.30, which placed her sixth in her quarterfinal heat. Unfortunately, this put her out of the medal contention, with reigning Olympic champion Emma Twigg from New Zealand leaving her trailing by nearly 32 seconds. But despite her performance, Joanie's participation in the Olympics is still a significant accomplishment, marking her as the first Filipina rower to qualify for the Games. This experience, she hopes, will serve as a stepping-stone to her future endeavors.

While rowing might seem like an individual sport, Delgaco’s journey is interwoven with the support from her family, coaches, and the entire nation of the Philippines. Their unwavering belief in her abilities has fueled her determination to give her all regardless of the outcome. As she heads into her last two races, the pride she brings to her home country is undeniable, sparking motivation and inspiration among aspiring athletes back home.

In these final stretches of competition, Delgaco is not just participating; she is an ambassador of Filipino spirit, proving that hard work and dedication can take you places you never imagined. Her Olympic journey is a testament to resilience, illustrating that even when dreams seem just out of reach, the heart and soul of an athlete can still shine brightly.

Fun fact: Did you know that rowing has been an Olympic sport since the very first modern Games in 1896, although women’s rowing was only introduced later in 1976? Additionally, Delgaco’s achievement as the first female Filipino rower to qualify for the Olympics has opened up new opportunities for female athletes in the Philippines. Her endeavor marks a significant milestone in the history of sports for women in the country!