Joanie Delgaco, Philippines, competes in the women’s single sculls rowing final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Joanie Delgaco, the first female Filipino rower to compete in the Olympics, is driven by a singular goal: to outpace herself with every stroke.
This year, she’s gearing up for two major competitions—the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai, China, from September 21 to September 28, and the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand in December.
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“I tell myself that I always have to achieve a better time once I ride my boat,” said Delgaco, currently ranked second in Asia and 20th in the world. The SEA Games return is especially significant, as rowing was excluded in the 2023 edition in Cambodia.
Regional powerhouse
A silver medalist in the women’s single sculls at the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam, Delgaco also secured two bronze medals in the quadruple sculls and lightweight quadruple sculls. With rowing’s return to the SEA Games, she aims to build on her previous success.
“I’ll definitely be aiming for a better finish in Thailand,” said the 26-year-old, who also clinched gold in the 2019 SEA Games with partner Melcah Jen Caballero.
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The Philippine rowing team, considered a regional powerhouse alongside Vietnam and Indonesia, is set to benefit from fresh talent due to an aggressive grassroots program.
“We believe small actions today are the seeds of tomorrow’s great success,” said Philippine Rowing Association president Patrick Gregorio.
Young talent
National coach Benjie Tolentino, himself a five-time SEA Games gold medalist and Sydney 2000 Olympian, emphasized the importance of international exposure.
Foreign coach Benedikt Schwarz from Germany has been instrumental, and plans are underway to establish a training camp there for SEA Games qualifiers.
“The world-class rowers and Olympic champions are there. Competing with them allows our rowers to adopt their techniques,” Tolentino explained.
The team is also nurturing young talent, with rowers aged 13 to 15 training at La Mesa Dam.
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“These kids have the potential. I started rowing at 22, so we expect great progress from them,” said Tolentino.
