Fil-Ivorian’s Olympic dreams back on track

By Peter Atencio

FILIPINO-IVORIAN

fencer

Maxine Esteban is back on her feet, after an injury halted her bid to seek qualifi cation for the 2024 Paris Olympics last year.

Last week, the 22-year-old Esteban finished third and bagged a bronze medal in the individual women’s foil category of the 2023 African championships in Cairo, Egypt.

Esteban absorbed a 14-15 setback to two-time Olympian Nora Mohammed of Egypt, but her effort to reach the semifinals allowed her to achieve two milestones in her career.

After reaching her highest world ranking last year at no. 62, Esteban has gone even higher to end up with a new career high of no. 46 this week.

She reached the semis after beating Youssra Sakarani of Egypt, 15-8.

Her ranking has made Esteban the no. 1-ranked bet of Côte d’Ivoire, encouraging her to finally open up and express her feelings about her decision to change her nationality and pursue her Olympic goals under a new flag.

Esteban used to be the Philippines’ highest ranking foil fencer.

With her change in nationality, Esteban is now ahead