ALWAYS humble, grounded, down-to-earth, respectful and God-fearing person, Samantha Catantan gave credit where credit is due following her successful campaign in the Asian & Oceania Olympic Qualification Tournament (OQT) last week in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
In that OQT, Catantan claimed the lone spot in women's foil for the Paris Olympics berth, which ended a long 32-year drought for a Filipino fencer to qualify in this year's Summer Games, or since Walter Torres competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Overall, the 22-year-old fencer from Frisco, Quezon City, is the third Filipino to qualify in the Olympics, joining Torres — now a Philippine Sports Commission commissioner — and 1988 Seoul Olympics veteran Percy Alger. Catantan, however, is the first to do it for the women's side.
Because of this historic achievement, Catantan, who came through with a dramatic 15-14 victory in the OQT finals against Sofiya Aktayeva of Kazakhstan, can't help but to look back from where and how she started in fencing.
"I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflect on this incredible journey to qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024. None of this would have been possible without the support and belief of so many amazing people in my life," said Catantan in a long Facebook post.
The eldest of four siblings, Catantan expressed her gratitude to her parents, Jon and Aileen.
It's no secret that when Sam and her now 20-year-old sister Ysah were starting at fencing, there were struggles with their financial capabilities. But the Catantans did everything to support the two, and eventually Sophie, 14, and Shy, who are also into fencing. Support also came in from different families and groups who believe in the skills of Catantan.
Like their "ate" Sam now, Ysah and Sophie are both members of the national team in women's foil, while Shy, 12, is a prospect in women's sabre. Sam and Ysah captured a bronze medal together in the team women's foil event of the 2023 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia, although the former sat out due to a left knee injury.
Their target now is to have three Catantans in the 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
"I want to express my gratitude to my beloved family. Your endless love, encouragement and sacrifices have paved the way for me to pursue my love for fencing. I am forever grateful for everything you have done for me," said Catantan, a graduating student-athlete major in accountancy at Penn State University.