Samantha Kyle Catantan claimed the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal at the Asian U23 fencing tournament.
The competition was held in Bangkok, Thailand last October 24 where Samantha competed in the Women’s individual foil competition.
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The teenage fencer fought her way to the top tier by beating out Japan’s Choi Minseo, 15-14, in the semifinal. She then won out against South Korea’s Choi Yu Min, 15-9, in the final. According to Manila Times, Samantha even had to overcome hand cramps right before facing South Korea’s Choi for the gold medal.
Though this is Samantha’s first Asian gold medal, it is not her only accomplishment by any means. She nabbed the silver medal in 2017’s Southeast Asian Games as well as the bronze in last year’s Asian U23 fencing tournament. She also ranked 16th cadet fencer in the world just this April 2019.
Soon, she will be competing in this year’s Southeast Asian Games where we wish her all the luck and support!
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