PARIS – Filipina rower Joanie Delgaco did it this time and made history for herself.

Getting off to an explosive start, Delgaco topped Heat 1 of the repechage to advance to the quarterfinal round of the women’s single sculls at the National Olympic Nautical Stadium of Île-de-France in Vaires-sur-Marne on Sunday, July 28, here.

After surging past her rivals after the first 500 meters of the 2,000-meter contest, the pride of Iriga City held on to her lead valiantly, paddling even furiously to prevail and make it to the top 24 in the world. 

She navigated the course in seven minutes and 55 seconds, a slight improvement from her showing in the preliminary round that saw her clock 7 minutes and 56.26 seconds.

But the 5-foot-5 former volleyball player has to perform extraordinarily in the next round on Tuesday if she is to advance to the next round where she will be up against the best from Europe.

“She’s getting into the groove, kita nag-improve ang oras nya,” said coach and former Olympian Ed Ed Maerina. “Our mission is far from over.

“Well practice tomorrow morning in the morning then take a full rest in the afternoon to regain her strength,” added the amiable mentor.

Her victory was doubly sweet one after beating Vietnamese Pham Thi Hue (8:00..97) and Cuban Yariulvis Cobas Garcia (8:10.64).

“We have to believe Filipinos can excel in rowing. Let's take this opportunity to solicit more support from kind hearted corporate sponsors,” said rowing boss Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.