Olympics: Sam Catantan’s Powerful Debut Wows Fencing World
Sam Catantan made a powerful debut in the Olympic ring as she progressed to the round of 32 in the women’s individual foil but her journey was cut short after the loss against Italy when she faced top-seeded fencer Italian Arianna Errigo in the round of 32.
She faced World’s No. 65 Brazil’s Mariana Pistoia in the round of 64. During the first period, Catantan landed 6 hits while Pistoia managed to land 7 hits. Later on in the second period, Catantan earned 9 hits against her opponent, which won her the bout at 13-15.
That was the Philippines’ first win in a fencing match in the Olympics after 32 years. It was a surprising but impressive victory for World’s No. 266 Catantan.
In Period 1 of the next round, Sam Catantan was able to land 5 hits while Errigo landed 6. Errigo managed to widen the gap at Period 2 at a 9-5 scoreline, but Catantan was able to answer back and ended the second period 13-9 with Italy leading.
It was a nerve-wracking moment for the audience during the last period of the bout when Catantan was able to chase down Errigo by landing two consecutive hits, with a scoreline of 14-12.
The match concluded with a 15-12 scoreline, but it was no doubt a great fight from Sam Catantan. While it may be the end of her 2024 Olympics journey, it is nonetheless a great catalyst for the continuous resurgence of Philippine fencing in the Summer Games.
