Beyond the Game

Samantha Catantan: A grassroot product of Philippine Fencing

By Brian Yalung

Samantha Kyle Catantan admitted that she continues to have a hard time believing that she is headed to the Olympics.

This was after the 22-year-old pulled off a dramatic win over Sofiya Aktayeva, 15-14, in the women’s foil final of the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier last April 27 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

“Hindi po ako makapaniwala at first na we finally made it sa Olympics. I’m very thankful na nagkaron ako ng chance para makalaro even with an injury,” the Penn State standout said in an interview.

The feat was extra special for Sam. Catantan admits that she is not yet at 100% but managed to perform well and be rewarded for her efforts.

“I’m very grateful na nakapaglaro ako ng maayos and nabigay ko ang 100% ko to get that spot in the Olympics,” the 22-year-old added.

A Grassroots Dream Come True

There was perhaps no other person who could be happier than Sam’s coach, Amatov Canlas. He admits that the achievement is overwhelming and stresses one important thing the Philippines can be proud of.

“Yung dating pangarap, dream come true na. Heto talaga is grassroots. Produkto talaga ng grassroots program si Samantha Catantan. Napatuyan na yung imposible, kayang gawing possible basta pagsisikapan,” the 2007 SEA Games medalist stated.

Drawing motivation from critics

Canlas and Catantan are aware that they got their share of criticism from bashers. But rather than engage them, both shared how they handled it and put it to use.

Canlas explained how he just used the criticism as a means to prove naysayers wrong. It became a source of motivation for them, a reason for them to strive and push themselves to the extreme.

And in the end, that helped them attain their goal.

“Ginamit na lang naming motivation ang mga nangyayari para mas makuha natin ang goal na makatuntong sa Olympics,” he said.

As for Catantan, she admits to secluding herself and just respecting what people had to say about them.

“When I found out there were people who had negative things to say, I secluded myself from all of it. I just focused on my preparations. People have different opinions and perspectives in life. If that is what they believe, it is up to them,” she said.

“All that matters to me is what the people around me think of me and how well they know me,” she added.

Down but not out

It was no easy win for Samantha, admitting that she is not yet at 100%. She is aware that she returned to compete sooner than expected but is managing fine.

“Actually I still have to wear my knee brace. So I’m not considering that I am at 100%. When I do my moves, my confidence is still not the same,” Catantan shared.

Despite the pain, Sam shared what pushed her to churn out her best in getting that Olympic spot.

“The biggest motivation for me is the love I have for the sport. I missed it badly for months that I was unable to play. I am glad to be back and enjoying it,” she pointed out.

But of course, there were also the people who kept their faith on her through thick and thin.

“There is also my family, friends, teammates and coaches who continue to support me. I feel just blessed to have the kind of support system, people who stuck with me until the end,” she added.

Catantan headed back to the United States for her studies. She will be returning to the country for the second leg of the national rankings after that.

She reveals that she will compete again at the Asian Fencing Championships and a camp as final preparations for the Olympics.