Filipina fencer Samantha Catantan has etched her name in history by clinching a coveted spot at the Paris Olympics, marking the Philippines’ return to fencing 32 years after Walter Torres participated in the 1992 Barcelona Games.
The 22-year-old former University Athletics Association of the Philippines standout from the University of the East punched her ticket to the 2024 Summer Games by triumphing in the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates on April 27.
The Southeast Asian Games gold medalist outscored Sofiya Aktayeva of Kazakhstan, 15-14, in their neck-to-neck final match, despite nursing an injury.
The Penn State University standout hurt her left knee as she tied the count at 13-13, but she opted to continue with the match after a five-minute injury timeout.
The Philippines' Sam Catantan scores the final point that secures her spot in the Paris @Olympics, making her the first Filipino fencing Olympian in 32 years. Screengrab from the competition video from David Blake. My full report via @goodnewspinas_ pic.twitter.com/dH7G9mR6s7
— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) April 29, 2024
The game again tied at 14-14 before Catantan edged out her competitor to score the final point that earned her an Olympics berth.
Catantan’s journey to Olympic glory included impressive victories over Israa Al Siyabi of Oman (15-4) in the quarterfinals and Hong Sena of South Korea (15-3) in the semifinals.
Catantan stands alongside 11 other Filipino athletes bound for the Olympics, including EJ Obiena (pole vault), Carlos Yulo, Alleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar (artistic gymnastics), Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas (boxing), John Ceniza, Elreen Ando, Vanessa Sarno (weightlifting), and Joanie Delgaco (rowing).
Don’t miss out on this historic moment! Stay tuned for more updates and support Team Philippines as they make their mark on the global stage.
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