From free classes to the Olympics: Philippines’ fencing history-maker Sam Catantan
Samantha Catantan made history when she qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games which saw her become the first Filipino fencer to qualify for the Olympics in 32 years - and the first woman in the country’s history.
Her success at the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier in April 2024 – which saw her secure her Paris 2024 place – came less than a year after she injured her anterior cruciate ligament in an event.
Catantan tells Sportshour’s Caroline Barker about how she first started fencing through free classes and shared equipment to securing Olympic qualification and why she’s not the only Catantan sibling with an Olympic dream.
Image: Samantha Catantan with her heads in her hands after securing her spot at Paris 2024 by winning at the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier. (Photo by UAE Fencing Federation)
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