Amita Berthier, a two-time Olympian, also took the gold in this event at the 2017 and 2019 Games. Photo: SportSG/Bryan Foo
Singapore fencer Amita Berthier marked her return after a six-year absence from the SEA Games with gold, winning the women’s individual foil title on Dec 17 after defeating teammate Maxine Wong 15-4.
Yet she almost did not even make it into the final, after going 8-14 down in her semi-final bout against Samantha Kyle Catantan of the Philippines.
The two-time Olympian dug deep for the mettle and skills she knew she possessed, clawing her way back from the brink of defeat to win that bout 15-14.
“I’m still trying to process everything,” she said. “It was a moment that tested my mental strength and tenacity. I’m decent at coming back, but coming back from 8-14 (down) was something else.
“My opponent (Catantan in the semi-final) also just went to the Olympics, so I knew it would be a tough match. It was just one point at a time. I knew I had the skills to win it, but it was nerve-racking because if I made one mistake, I lose the bout.
“I don’t know, I flipped a switch and made it work. Once I finished that bout, I was like, I didn’t come all this way to just lose in the final.”
Her showing impressed the raucous crowd, as well as women’s foil national coach Andrea Magro.
He said: “Amita is a really great talent. The capacity of her technique is so good. She showed us that she has a big heart. She doesn’t give up. She didn’t win with lucky touches, but with a really high level.”
Berthier has tasted success at the SEA Games before, having won two straight titles at the 2017 and 2019 editions.
The satisfaction of her latest achievement is less about the colour of the medal and more about the manner in which she has found her way to the top of the podium.
She said: “These past few months have been pretty taxing. I had to take a bit of a break a couple of months ago; had to rethink things. I knew I wasn’t done yet – I still have potential and drive. I’m happy I managed to find that within me.
“This gave me a boost in my confidence not just because I won but because I was really happy with my fencing. I haven’t felt this way about myself in a while. Just pleased and motivated to do better. I’m not done – for a long time.”
Apart from the gold and silver in women’s foil, Singapore also took a bronze in the men’s individual epee event courtesy of Simon Lee.
The 33rd SEA Games are held in Thailand from 9 to 20 December 2025. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.