Rower Joanie Delgaco clinches historic Paris Olympics berth

Joanie Delgaco became the first Filipina rower to qualify for any Olympics after she finished fourth in the 2024 Asia Oceania Qualification Tournament on Sunday in South Korea to clinch a Paris Games ticket.

The 26-year-old rower clocked in seven minutes and 49.39 seconds to book the Olympics ticket in the women's singles sculls behind Uzbekistan's Anna Prakaten who registered seven minutes and 31.28 seconds.

Japan’s Shijo Yonekawa claimed the silver with a time of seven minutes and 35.93 seconds while Iran’s Fatemeh Mojallal Topraghghale captured the bronze with seven minutes and 37.07 seconds. 

Delgaco has now become the latest Filipino representative for the quadrennial event after EJ Obiena, Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar, Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas, John Ceniza, Elreen  Ando, and Vanessa Sarno.

Weightlifter Rosegie Ramos made the necessary points in the qualifiers but is still awaiting the official announcement from the International Weightlifting Federation.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News