Top PH Rowers Caballero, Delgaco get Olympic slot shot on May 5

Melcah Jen Caballero (left) and Joanie Delgaco hope to row their way to Tokyo. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Judging by their performances in the continental qualifying of the world rowing championships, things are looking up for Melcah Jen Caballero and Joanie Delgaco in the coming qualifier for the Tokyo Olympics.

Though the two Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalists in the lightweight double sculls made it to the World Rowing Indoor Championships through a virtual competition, Caballero swears the exertion and stamina are practically similar outdoors.

“If you talk about the movements, the power and the effort in an online race, it’s the same as rowing in the water,” said Caballero in Filipino.

“However, there are no other factors to consider outside, like the weather, the current and the measurement of the boat,” she added.

These factors will be present when Caballero and Delgaco race in the Asian and Oceania Continental Qualification Regatta on May 5-7 in Tokyo where the top three rowers will advance to the Olympics.

The 25-year-old Caballero recently claimed a spot in the medal race of the women’s 500-meter lightweight single sculls in the World Rowing Indoor Championships on Feb. 27 after topping the continental qualifier two weeks ago.

Delgaco likewise made it to the worlds with Caballero after grabbing a seat in the open qualification for rowers 23 years old and below.

“It’s a good thing that Joanie qualified. We will have the same program as we train together for the Olympic qualifying,” said Caballero, who will race with Delgaco in their pet event.

Although Caballero can try her luck in the lightweight single sculls Olympic qualifier, the same event she ruled in the 2019 SEA Games, the rowing ace from the Philippine Navy would rather focus with Delgaco in the double sculls.