Rower Joanie Delgaco is part of the currently 15-strong Philippine Centennial Team for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Joanie Delgaco struggled to sleep upon learning she just punched a ticket to the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
It was understandable, since the 26-year-old rower was still on a high after realizing the childhood dream of representing the Philippines in the grandest stage of sports.
"Nung una po di ako makatulog. Sabi ko ito na ba yung dream ko na natuloy na yung pangarap ko," she said during the Philippine Airlines' exclusive dinner for the Paris-bound athletes last June 19.
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The trek to the pantheon of rowing didn't come easy, of course.
Delgaco qualified for the Olympics after finishing fourth in the 2000-meter women's sculls at the World Rowing Asian and Oceanian Olympic Qualification Regatta in South Korea.
"Sa ngayon po sobrang nao-overwhelm pa irn ako kasi nakapasok na ako sa Olympics after third attempt ko," said Delgaco, who has a gold medal from the SEA Games in 2019.
Now that she secured a berth to the Olympics, the Filipino rower from Iriga, Camarines Sur has set a modest goal for herself.
But make no mistake about it. Delgaco is out to make a name for herself and her country.
"Sa ngayon po excited ako kasi makakalaban ko yung mga malakas talaga sa Olympics. Hindi man ako mag medal at least may mga matututhunan akong dala pag balik ko," she said.
Story Summary:
- Joanie Delgaco fulfills childhood dream, qualifies for Olympic Games Paris 2024.
- The Filipino rower from Iriga, Camarines Sur, reflects on her journey to Olympics as she aims to gain valuable experience against top global competition.
- Delgaco eyes personal growth and national pride at Paris 2024, inspired to make an impact despite modest medal expectations.
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]