Samantha Catantan, Maxine Esteban set for Philippines fencing debut at Paris Olympics

Samantha Catantan and Maxine Esteban will represent Team Philippines in fencing at the Paris Olympics 2024, with Catantan set to compete in the women's foil event on July 28.

Catantan qualified through a wild card tournament for Asian countries without Olympic qualifiers and is ranked no. 266 globally, while Esteban secured her spot via the African championships and will face hometown bet Pauline Ranvier in the Round of 32 on Saturday.

Catantan's first opponent will be Brazil's Mariana Pistoia, who is ranked world no. 65, making for a tough start to her campaign.

Both fencers expressed gratitude towards their supporters as they prepare to compete in Paris.

Fencing involves two competitors using foils to score points by striking valid target areas on their opponent within a 14-meter long and 1.5-meter wide playing area.