Paris Olympics 2024 Filipina fencer Samantha Catantan is already looking for a possible stint in the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand in hopes of teaming up with her siblings and fellow fencers, Ysah and Sophie.
Catantan said the SEA Games is one of her goals for next year since her activities or tournaments could be limited as she is set to undergo surgery as she tore again her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) on the left knee during the Paris Olympics three weeks ago.
“That’s our dream, us sisters to play together in the SEA Games. If things go as planned, I will be ready for the event coming back from the injury,” said Catantan, whose support from the private sector continues to grow as Eastern Communications, a premier telecommunications and ICT solutions provider in the country, is backing her as she goes through recovery and training.
Catantan had an impressive debut in the 2024 Paris Olympics as she won her Table-of-64 bout against Mariana Pistoia of Brazil 15-13 that earned her a spot in the main draw of 32 fencers where she met top seed Arianna Errigo of Italy. She sustained the injury during the first three minutes of her match against Pistoia, and because of that, it affected her flexibility against the taller and more experienced Errigo, who escaped with a nail-biting 15-12 decision.
The performance of Catantan–her desire to win and courage despite the injury– captivated many Filipinos, who after 32 years saw a Filipino fencer compete in the Olympics and she didn’t disappoint. Those who were impressed include top sports officials like chairman Richard Bachmann of the Philippine Sports Commission and former Congressman Bambol Tolentino, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Samantha and Ysah Catantan were with the national team during the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. In the semifinal round of the women’s foil individual category, Sam did not play in the team event and Ysah made her SEA Games debut.
Sophie joined her two sisters this year in the national team, and their goal is to participate together in the SEA Games in Thailand next year. However, that depends on the recovery and rehabilitation process of Samantha, who recently finished her studies (accounting) at Penn State University.
“The next SEA Games is December 2025, that’s 16 months from now. Considering the recovery period I had when I first tore my ACL – eight months – so I’m confident I’ll be ready for the SEA Games in Thailand,” said the 22-year-old fencer Sam.
Supporting the Next Generation of Filipino athletes
As Samantha Catantan prepares for her comeback, her journey symbolizes the indomitable spirit that Eastern Communications seeks to nurture in the next generation of Filipino athletes. Just as Catantan aims to return stronger in the 2025 SEA Games, Eastern continues its goal in empowering young talents across various sports, including the PinoyLiga Cup, and the Lourdes School of Mandaluyong Griffins Basketball Team, the reigning 18U PAYA Basketball League 2024 Champions.
From being our local champions, the Lourdes School Griffins team now represents the Philippines for the ongoing Tsui Lian Cup International Basketball Tournament 2024 in Taiwan. The telco hopes that through its efforts, it can empower the young talents to achieve greatness in bigger championship opportunities.
By providing essential support, Eastern reflects its belief in grassroots development and providing platforms athletes need to shine both locally and internationally.