Samantha Catantan qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, becoming the first Filipino fencer to secure a slot since 1992.
The Philippines clinched a groundbreaking achievement as Samantha Catantan secured a coveted spot in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This is a historic moment for the country as she becomes the first Filipino fencer to qualify in 32 years, according to the University of the East Manila, her senior high school alma mater.
Catantan’s journey to the Olympics was not easy, but it is nothing short of remarkable. She consistently demonstrated excellence, determination, and perseverance in a sport that has been overshadowed by more popular games in the country. Her qualification is not just a personal triumph, but also spotlights the potential of Philippine athletes in the global arena.
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First Filipino Olympic fencer since 1992
Catantan bested Kazakhstan’s Sofia Aktayeva (15-14) in the women’s foil final of the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier held in the United Arab Emirates.
The Philippine News Agency said her win made it just in time for the summer games slated from July 26 to August 11.
She earned the Philippines the 12th spot in the Paris Games and ended the country’s three-decade absence in fencing. The last Filipino fencer who made it in the prestigious event was Walter Torres, who participated in the 1992 Barcelona Games.
“No words can describe how grateful I am to everyone who prayed, supported and believed in me,” the victorious athlete said in an Instagram post. “This is for the Philippines and the Filipinos.”
Winning was unexpected
In an interview with BBC, Catantan revealed she was not expecting to even compete in the tournament because she had an injury.
“10 months ago, we were not sure if I’m going to make it because I tore my ACL and had surgery,” she explained. “I just couldn’t believe that I made it.” ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament. It is located in the middle of the knee and prevents the shin bone from sliding out in front of the thigh bone.
The record-breaking Filipina athlete said she tried to enjoy the game when she pushed through with the competition. She indicated how much she missed fencing and how it was fun to be back, as if she hit a restart in life.
From a family of fencers
Catantan narrated her humble beginnings in the sport, saying it started in a free sports clinic in her city. Fencing was the only remaining game left in the list and this led her to choose the sport.
“We didn’t come from a fortunate family so we couldn’t afford to join any sports, or send me to private universities,” she commented. “So, fencing really helped me a lot.”
Catantan expressed that the sport led her to her second family, the fencing community, and built a strong rapport with them. “We were having fun and were just enjoying the sport,” she told BBC. “I had this dream to be able to represent our country and that’s what kept me going.”
The foil fencer also revealed that she grew up with siblings who are also fencers. All four of them play the sport.
“Now an Olympian”
“It’s amazing how far you can go just because people believed in you,” the foil fencer said in a Facebook post. She mentioned her loved ones, indicating that her win would be unattainable without them.
“I can’t thank my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and everyone who supported me enough,” she wrote. “But most importantly, I want to thank everyone who never left my side. Those who believed in me when I had doubt, pushed me when I felt weak, and celebrated with me through every progress and setback.”
Meanwhile, her mom, Aileen, imparted how proud she was of her daughter in an Instagram post. “I still can’t believe you’re now an Olympian,” she posted in Filipino. “Thank you for making us proud… soar high and wave our flag in [the] Paris Olympics.”
Banner photo from Samantha Catantan’s Facebook page.
