Sam Catantan qualifies for Paris Olympics

Philippine fencing contender Sam Catantan booked a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics after finishing on top of the women's foil event of the Asia and Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier on Saturday in the United Arab Emirates.

Catantan defeated Kazakhstan's Sofiya Aktayeva, 15-14, in the finals, despite suffering cramps before clinching a slot to Paris.

Catantan, who also competed in the US NCAA, settled for silver in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia last year after suffering an injury.

Recently, Catantan's former teammate Maxine Esteban also qualified for the Paris Olympics for Cote d'Ivoire. Esteban previously wished the best for Cantantan as the latter prepared for her qualifier. 

The Filipina fencer will join the growing list of Paris-bound athletes from the Philippines such as EJ Obiena, gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, and Levi Ruivivar, boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas, rower Joanie Delgaco, and weightlifters Elreen Ando, John Ceniza, and Vanessa Sarno. Rosegie Ramos got the needed points but is still waiting for the official confirmation.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News