Filipino Olympian and fencer Sam Catantan said she will now focus on her recovery after her recent stint in the 2024 Paris Olympics and graduating from the Pennsylvania State University.
Catantan previously revealed that she has suffered another ACL injury in the same left knee which was also injured last year.
“Gusto ko po talaga ibigay ‘yung best ko and I wanted to compete at the highest level I could. Not everyone is given the chance to represent the Philippines in the Olympics and ‘yun talaga, gusto ko mabigay ‘yung best ko despite the challenges,” Catantan told reporters during their homecoming party at the Hilton Manila Hotel on Tuesday.
Catantan is currently in the Philippines as she also attended events for Olympians, such as the Malacañan Palace reception for Olympians on Tuesday and the heroes’ parade on Wednesday.
“When I was fencing the Brazilian, I retear my ACL and I finished the match with a torn ACL and continued my second match with injury,” recalled Catantan.
Catantan defeated Brazil’s Mariana Pistoia in the Round of 64 before falling to then world no. 2 Arianna Errigo of Italy in the Round of 32.
Catantan said she will have her surgery on Friday.
“It’s gonna be a challenge again for the next few months for me but of course, I really want to be in the Olympics again and I’m gonna take my time to recover kasi last year minadali namin mag-recover for me to make it to Paris and we’re able to do that. ‘Yung risk talaga na nandoon is retearing my ACL,” she said.
After her surgery, Catantan said she will go back to the United States to continue her rehab process while also taking a graduate degree in Accountancy.
“For now, I really want to focus what’s in front of me — recovery right after my upcoming surgery and actually I’m coming back to Penn State kasi I have my masters this year. I’m about to start my master’s degree while recovering. After that, when I graduate, I’m gonna have time to focus preparing for LA.”
Catantan is now no. 87 in the world rankings from being no. 266 before the Paris Games.
—GMA Integrated News
Be the first to comment