PH's Catantan faces Brazilian foe in Olympics campaign opener; Esteban earns first-round bye

Fencer Sam Catantan will open her campaign in the women's foil event of the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 28.

The Filipino fencer, who is ranked no. 266 in foil, will have a tough opponent when she goes against Brazil's Mariana Pistoia who is ranked world no. 65.

Catantan is among the 22 Filipino athletes who will compete in the Paris Olympics which will open on early Saturday (Philippine time).

As early as now, Catantan said she is grateful to those who supported her in the road to Paris.

"I feel truly blessed to have the best support system on this journey," she wrote on the caption of her Instagram post last Tuesday. "Lalaban para sa bayan!"

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sam Catantan (@samctntn)

Meanwhile, Maxine Esteban, who represents Cote d'Ivoire, earned a first-round bye in her side of the bracket and will go against hometown bet Pauline Ranvier in the Round of 32. She will also open her campaign on Saturday.

READ MORE | Philippines at the 2024 Paris Olympics: Schedule and Results

—JKC, GMA Integrated News