Dubai - SCAD Fencer Antonio Chen secured a place in the 2024 Olympics in Paris with a win at the Asian Zonal Qualifier over the weekend. Representing his native Taiwan, Chen overcame all challengers on his way to qualifying for the Games. With the result, Chen becomes the first male fencer from Taiwan to qualify in 36 years and only the 6th ever to do so. Chen has had great success during his time at SCAD. He secured a bronze medal at the Asia Games, the 3rd largest multi-sport event in the world.

Taking place in Dubai, the Zonal Qualifiers represented a last chance to qualify for the Games for participants from Asia. With 15 fencers convening, competition was fierce with only one spot up for grabs. Chen came in as the top seed, and lived up to that with a dominant performance on his way to victory. Working his way to the finals, Chen faced off against Singapore's Samuel Elijah in the ultimate match. Chen proved too strong for his opponent as he surged to a 15-4 victory.

This is not SCAD's first brush with the Olympics. Student Cheryl Haworth represented the USA at the 2004 Olympics while attending SCAD, as well as in 2000 and 2008 before and after her time as a Bee. Olympian Avard Moncur served as SCAD Atlanta's Head Cross Country Coach for several years. Chen's qualification represents the first time a student-athlete at SCAD will compete at the Olympics.