Fencer Sam Catantan diagnosed with torn ACL
Published May 13, 2023 02:11 pm
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia—Philippine fencing suffered a huge blow after Sam Catantan was diagnosed with torn acute cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during her stint at the 32ndSoutheast Asian Games here.
*Samanta Catantan sits at the sideline of the fencing event after injuring her knee in the semifinals.*
Philippine Fencing Association president Richard Gomez disclosed this Saturday, May 13, following the result of Catantan’s MRI. “Pagkatapos nung MRI, nakita na torn yung ACL, so she’ll have to undergo therapy and operation,” Gomez said. Catantan was battling in the semifinal in women’s foil at the Chroy Changvar Convention Center Friday, May 12, when the incident happened. She was leading 14-5 against Singapore’s Kemei Cheung when she felt a snap on her knee, but fought through it on her way to winning the match, 15-6, for a spot in the final. Catantan wanted to compete for the gold-medal round, but her coaches advised her to withdraw the match so as not to aggravate the injury. Maxine Wong of Singapore eventually won the gold medal via default, with Catantan settling for the silver. Gomez said Catantan might miss training and competition for at least six months. “Masakit lang kasi marami siyang schedule sa America, tapos may Olympic qualifiers pa siya. She’s also preparing for Category A sa Penn State,” he said. Gomez, however, assured they would extend all the necessary help for Catantan’s recovery.
*Samanta Catantan sits at the sideline of the fencing event after injuring her knee in the semifinals.*
Philippine Fencing Association president Richard Gomez disclosed this Saturday, May 13, following the result of Catantan’s MRI. “Pagkatapos nung MRI, nakita na torn yung ACL, so she’ll have to undergo therapy and operation,” Gomez said. Catantan was battling in the semifinal in women’s foil at the Chroy Changvar Convention Center Friday, May 12, when the incident happened. She was leading 14-5 against Singapore’s Kemei Cheung when she felt a snap on her knee, but fought through it on her way to winning the match, 15-6, for a spot in the final. Catantan wanted to compete for the gold-medal round, but her coaches advised her to withdraw the match so as not to aggravate the injury. Maxine Wong of Singapore eventually won the gold medal via default, with Catantan settling for the silver. Gomez said Catantan might miss training and competition for at least six months. “Masakit lang kasi marami siyang schedule sa America, tapos may Olympic qualifiers pa siya. She’s also preparing for Category A sa Penn State,” he said. Gomez, however, assured they would extend all the necessary help for Catantan’s recovery.