Filipina fencer Sam Catantan shared she is set to take a break from the piste again after suffering another ACL following her debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 22-year-old Catantan revealed the development in an instagram post Monday, just a week after she concluded her campaign in the women’s foil event last July 28.
“This sport has given me the best the world could offer, bringing me a unique joy whenever I am on the strip fencing for Philippines,” she said.
“However, sometimes things may not go as planned. Unfortunately, I re-tore my ACL and need to take some time off the strip again. Despite this, I feel beyond blessed and grateful for all His grace. “
This won’t be the first time that Catantan sustained an ACL injury as back in May 2023, 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.
That injury sidelined the former UAAP standout for months before her much-awaited return in early 2024, seeing action in the Asia and Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier in April where she booked an Olympic ticket.
In the Paris Games, Catantan met trials anew, hurting the same knee during her bout against Mariana Pistoia of Brazil in the Table of 64 of the women’s foil event. She was able to recover en route to a clutch 15-13 win to advance.
However, she fell short of replicating the result in the next match, falling to top-seeded and world no. 2 Arianna Errigo of Italy, 15-12, to formally bow out.
Still, the rising fencer is grateful for the opportunity to represent the flag on the biggest stage.
“I still can’t believe how this became possible at such unexpected time. This is an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life,” she added.
“This journey is far from over, but we’ve come a long way. Patuloy na lalaban para sa pangarap.”
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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