EASL: Hiroshima becomes 2nd team to qualify for Final Four Spot
2
Catantan to ‘take a break’ following ACL injury in Paris Olympics
Filipina fencer Samantha Catantan shared that she is set to take a break from the piste again after sustaining another anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 22-year-old Catantan announced the development on Monday, August 5, in an Instagram post, just a week after she concluded her campaign in the women’s foil event last July 28.
Photo Courtesy: REUTERS/Albert Gea (GMA News)
“Unfortunately, I re-tore my ACL and need to take some time off the strip again,” Catantan wrote. “Despite this, I feel beyond blessed and grateful for all His grace.”
This was not the first time Catantan suffered an ACL injury as back in May 2023 during the Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where she was forced to concede to Singaporean foe Maxine Wong in the finals after hurting her left knee during the second round of the semifinals.
It took her several months to get into shape again and later on qualified for the Summer Games after winning at the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifiers 2024 in Dubai.
In the Paris Games, the UAAP standout hurt the same knee during her bout against Mariana Pistoia of Brazil in the Table of 64 in the women’s individual foil competition. She was able to recover and seized a 15-13 win to advance.
However, Catantan eventually bowed out following a 12-15 loss at the hands of top-seeded and world No. 2 Arianna Errigo of Italy in the Table of 32.
Despite the setback, the rising fencer is grateful for the opportunity to represent the flag on the biggest sporting stage in the world.
"I still can't believe how this became possible at such an unexpected time. This is an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life," Catantan added.
"This journey is far from over, but we have come a long way. We will continue to fight for our dreams.”
