Romualdez praises Samantha Catantan for successfully qualifying for the Olympics and representing the Philippines in fencing

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez commended fencer Samantha Kyle Catantan for her remarkable qualification in the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. At the youthful age of 22, Catantan has made history and brought honor to the Philippines.

Romualdez expressed his pride in Catantan’s accomplishment, highlighting the significance of her achievement for the nation. He emphasized the resilience and dedication displayed by Catantan and lauded her for being a strong representative of the country on the global stage.

Catantan, a talented right-handed foil fencer, secured her spot in the Olympics after excelling in her category at the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The last Filipino fencer to compete in the Olympics was Walter Torres in the 1992 Barcelona Games, making Catantan’s qualification even more exceptional.

Romualdez acknowledged the magnitude of Catantan’s journey to the Olympics, noting the generational gap since the last Filipino fencer participated in the games. He described Catantan’s success as a pivotal moment for her, her family, and the entire country, emphasizing her role as an inspirational figure for aspiring athletes.

In closing, Romualdez extended his best wishes to Catantan and all Filipino Olympians and sports heroes, expressing the nation’s unwavering support and pride in their achievements. The Philippines looks forward to cheering on Catantan and all representatives at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, rooting for their continued success on the international stage.