March 18 ------ Filipino-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban has qualified for the Paris Olympics, the former Ateneo standout posted on her social media. Esteban placed 83rd in the 2024 Absolute Fencing Gear FIE Foil Grand Prix in Washington, United States, enough to book an Olympic spot by topping the qualifying race for the Africa continental zone. "I am at a loss for words… This journey is truly a testimony of God's faithfulness. Today, I am in awe of His love for me and I am grateful He has carried me through. For all the 2nd chances, opened windows, miraculous feats, and generous provisions, thank you Heavenly Father," Esteban said.
Esteban was leading the race for the direct qualification spot for the African continental zone heading into the Olympic qualifying tournament in Washington DC. The fencer switched federations from the Philippines to the Ivory Coast last year, in a decision she said was made due to "self-respect."
Before her switch in federations, Esteban was controversially dropped by the Philippine Fencing Association purportedly because she skipped the Philippine qualifiers. However, Esteban provided documents showing the PFA had excused her from the national trials because she suffered an ACL injury while representing the country in the World Championship in Egypt. After her qualification, Esteban also dedicated her feat not only for the Ivory Coast, but also for the Philippines. "This is for Cote d'Ivoire, the country that embraced me, believed in me and supported me all the way, and for the Philippines, the country my heart will always beat proud of," she said.
Esteban's transfer meant no fencer representing the Philippines is on the list for any direct qualification spot. The PFA will send its top-ranked fencers in the hope of getting a wild card slot this April.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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