In a stunning display of power and precision, the Philippine rowing team secured its first gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. The dynamic duo of Joanie Delgaco and Kristine Paraon dominated the women's double sculls event on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Pattaya, Thailand.
A Commanding Victory on the Water
The Filipino rowers executed a flawless race, clocking a winning time of 8 minutes and 16.976 seconds. Their performance was so dominant that they finished a full five seconds ahead of their closest rivals. The Thai pair of Sukkaew Rariwan and Chaempudsa Parisa claimed the silver medal with a time of 8:21.634.
This victory is particularly sweet for Joanie Delgaco, who brings valuable experience as a Paris Olympian to the team. Partnering with Kristine Paraon, they demonstrated perfect synchronization and raw strength, leaving the competition in their wake. The team's substitute, Feiza Jane Lenton, was also part of the Philippine rowing contingent supporting the historic win.
Completing the Podium
The bronze medal in the event was awarded to Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Van Anh and Pham Thi Bich Ngoc. The Vietnamese team completed the course with a time of 8:26.447, rounding out the podium in a highly competitive field.
This gold medal is a significant achievement for Philippine sports, marking a breakthrough in the rowing competition at the regional games. It adds to the country's growing reputation in water-based sports and highlights the dedication of its athletes.
A New Chapter for Philippine Rowing
The triumph of Delgaco and Paraon signals a promising future for rowing in the Philippines. Their success at the 33rd SEA Games serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and proves that with rigorous training and determination, the country can excel on the international stage. This win is not just a personal victory for the athletes but a monumental moment for the entire Philippine sports community.
