Did You Know? Juliana Gomez Tried Out for the National Fencing Team 6 Times

The 2026 Asian Games are currently underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with a contingent of Filipino athletes representing the country across different sporting events.

Among the delegates was Juliana Gomez, who made her debut at the international competition as part of the Philippines' fencing team. Despite going out of contention after her bout with Singapore's Elle Koh, Juliana still relishes the experience of competing at her first Asian Games, which also marks one of her first appearances as a national fencer. In fact, earning a spot on the national team is a feat in itself, as it took her six tries to qualify.

Juliana has become somewhat synonymous with fencing, especially given that her father, veteran actor Richard Gomez, was also part of the national team. Since she began her althetic endeavors, she has aspired to join the same team, trying out every year she could.

“It took me a long time to get here. It took me six years to make it to the National Team. That is my sixth year trying. I always came close but never made it in the National Team,” she told members of the press before she flew to Japan for the Asian Games. Prior to the competition, she not only qualified for the team but was also ranked the highest among the women’s epee fencers.

"And now that I’m the number one fencer in my category, I just have to keep telling myself and believing myself that I, in that competition at least, I can do it and that I’m capable. I just have to believe it," she further expressed.

In a past interview, the celebrity scion also acknowledged her place of privilege. With affluent parents, one of whom is a former national athlete, she doesn’t disregard the unseen advantages that have helped support her career.

"I’m very lucky because all I have to do is focus on fencing. I don’t have to worry about how to get to training or what to eat after I'm hungry or tired after training," she shared, "I'm very lucky, not everyone gets that privilege—so I'm never gonna take that for granted.”

Prior to this year’s Asian Games, Juliana had already brought glory to the country with a podium finish at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand. With her bronze medal from the competition, she realized the deeper purpose behind waving the Philippine flag as an athlete.

“I think that the improvement happens every day. We’re always trying to outdo what Team Philippines has done in the past. We’re always trying to perform well for the country, and we’re always trying to show the world what the Philippines can do,” she said.