Joanie Delgaco gets Olympics scholarship after Paris stint

Team Philippines’ Joanie Delgaco competes in the women’s single sculls final D of the rowing competition at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Centre in Vaires-sur-Marne during the Paris Olympics 2024 on August 2, 2024. (Photo by Bertrand GUAY / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—Team Philippines’ Joanie Delgaco may not have notched a medal finish in the Paris Olympics 2024’s women’s single sculls rowing event but she’s still bringing home some good news.

She finished as the 20th best rower of the Summer Games after her classification race at Nautical St – Flat Water on Friday afternoon (Manila time) with an official time of 7:43.83 minutes.

While it wasn’t the podium finish she was hoping for, she’s still overjoyed with her first showing on the Olympics stage.

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“I’m so happy because I gave my best earlier. I’m really not regretting anything from all of my races,” said Delgaco in Filipino with One Sports.

Delgaco also revealed that she was offered an Olympic Solidarity scholarship for her exemplary performance in the Paris Olympics.

The Olympic Solidarity Scholarship will be a beacon for the volleyball player-turned-rower to be financially and technically ready for her future games.

The offer, according to Delgaco, was given by Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron (FISA) Development Head, Daniela Gomes.

“I’m really happy because she (Gomes) praised me. She talked to my coaches and said they liked my performances.”