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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Iba ang Pinay': Romualdez praises fencer Catantan for clinching rare Olympics spot

'Iba ang Pinay': Romualdez praises fencer Catantan for clinching rare Olympics spot

Published Apr 29, 2024 12:05 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez has hailed 22-year-old Samantha Kyle Catantan for bringing Philippine fencing back on the Olympic stage, specifically the upcoming 2024 Paris Games. 

Sam CatantanSamantha Kyle Catantan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



House Speaker Martin Romualdez has hailed 22-year-old Samantha Kyle Catantan for bringing Philippine fencing back on the Olympic stage, specifically the upcoming 2024 Paris Games. 

"It fills my heart with immense pride to congratulate Samantha for her historic achievement in qualifying for the Paris games at the young age of 22. This is an impressive feat from our kababayan (countryman)," Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives and an avid sports fan, said in a statement Monday morning, April 29. 

"You can always trust a Filipina to proudly carry our nation’s flag,” noted the Speaker. 

Over the weekend, Catantan, a right-handed foil fencer, topped her category in the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

This earned the 2021 Hanoi Southeast Asian Games gold medalist her historic spot in the quadrennial Olympics. 

Catantan follows in the footsteps of Walter Torres, the last Filipino fencer to compete in the Olympics. Torres achieved this distinction during the1992 Barcelona Games. 

“Considering Samantha wasn’t even born when the last Filipino fencer competed in the Olympics, her journey to the games is nothing short of legendary," Romualdez underscored. 

"This is a joyous milestone for her, her family, and the entire country. Samantha, you are more than an athlete; you are an inspiration,” he said. 

“To Samantha and all our beloved Olympians and sports heroes, we send our heartfelt wishes for your continued success and remind you that you make us all incredibly proud,” the House leader further declared. 
 

Related Tags

Fencing National Team Martin Romualdez Samantha Catantan Paris Olympics
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