LOOK: Maxine Esteban joins Ivory Coast in Olympics opening ceremony | ABS-CBN
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LOOK: Maxine Esteban joins Ivory Coast in Olympics opening ceremony
LOOK: Maxine Esteban joins Ivory Coast in Olympics opening ceremony
ABS-CBN News
Published Jul 27, 2024 03:42 AM PHT
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Updated Jul 27, 2024 12:36 PM PHT
(UPDATED) Philippine-born fencer Maxine Esteban joined the Ivory Coast delegation during the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday (Saturday morning in Manila).
(UPDATED) Philippine-born fencer Maxine Esteban joined the Ivory Coast delegation during the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday (Saturday morning in Manila).
"We are ready," Esteban said in an Instagram post before the opening ceremony, which took place at the River Seine instead of a stadium.
"We are ready," Esteban said in an Instagram post before the opening ceremony, which took place at the River Seine instead of a stadium.
Esteban, who played for Ateneo de Manila University in college, switched federations in May 2023 after becoming a naturalized citizen of Ivory Coast.
Esteban, who played for Ateneo de Manila University in college, switched federations in May 2023 after becoming a naturalized citizen of Ivory Coast.
She qualified for the Summer Games in March 2024, after placing 83rd in the 2024 Absolute Fencing Gear FIE Foil Grand Prix in Washington.
She qualified for the Summer Games in March 2024, after placing 83rd in the 2024 Absolute Fencing Gear FIE Foil Grand Prix in Washington.
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Though she will be wearing the colors of Ivory Coast, Esteban has said that she is stil representing the Philippines in Paris.
Though she will be wearing the colors of Ivory Coast, Esteban has said that she is stil representing the Philippines in Paris.
"I’m very proud kasi I think coming into the Olympics, I’m representing both countries: the Philippines and Ivory Coast. You know, you can really never take away the Filipino in me and I will forever be Filipino," she said.
"I’m very proud kasi I think coming into the Olympics, I’m representing both countries: the Philippines and Ivory Coast. You know, you can really never take away the Filipino in me and I will forever be Filipino," she said.
Ahead of the Olympics, she reached a new high of No. 27 in the world rankings -- the highest achieved by a Philippine-born fencer.
Ahead of the Olympics, she reached a new high of No. 27 in the world rankings -- the highest achieved by a Philippine-born fencer.
Esteban will compete in women's foil, opening her campaign on Sunday against French bet Pauline Ranvier in the table of 32.
Esteban will compete in women's foil, opening her campaign on Sunday against French bet Pauline Ranvier in the table of 32.
Esteban has a definite goal in mind as she competes in her maiden Olympic Games -- to make it to the top 20 of the world rankings.
Esteban has a definite goal in mind as she competes in her maiden Olympic Games -- to make it to the top 20 of the world rankings.
"While living out the Olympic dream is an achievement in itself, now that I am here, I would very much like to continue my fencing goals," said Esteban. "Definitely, winning a medal is the ultimate goal, but even if that becomes out of reach, I am hoping to at least continue building on my world ranking so I can make the most out of the experience here in Paris."
"While living out the Olympic dream is an achievement in itself, now that I am here, I would very much like to continue my fencing goals," said Esteban. "Definitely, winning a medal is the ultimate goal, but even if that becomes out of reach, I am hoping to at least continue building on my world ranking so I can make the most out of the experience here in Paris."
"Making it to the top 20 definitely would be a step in that direction," she added.
"Making it to the top 20 definitely would be a step in that direction," she added.
Also starting her journey on Sunday is Team Philippines fencer Sam Catantan, who will battle fellow wild card qualifier and world No. 65 Mariana Pistoia of Brazil in the round-of-64. If she wins, Catantan will advance to the main draw against world No. 2 Arianna Errigo of Italy.
Also starting her journey on Sunday is Team Philippines fencer Sam Catantan, who will battle fellow wild card qualifier and world No. 65 Mariana Pistoia of Brazil in the round-of-64. If she wins, Catantan will advance to the main draw against world No. 2 Arianna Errigo of Italy.
Esteban, meanwhile, is hoping that her rigorous preparation under the watchful eye of veteran coach Andrea Magro will pay off. Ahead of the Summer Games, she also competed in a training camp in Paris with the Japanese national team.
Esteban, meanwhile, is hoping that her rigorous preparation under the watchful eye of veteran coach Andrea Magro will pay off. Ahead of the Summer Games, she also competed in a training camp in Paris with the Japanese national team.
"I've always said that the Paris Olympics as a goal was never meant to be the final destination. It is a major part of my fencing journey and I hope to accomplish more through hard work so I can inspire young fencers in both Ivory Coast and the Philippines," said Esteban.
"I've always said that the Paris Olympics as a goal was never meant to be the final destination. It is a major part of my fencing journey and I hope to accomplish more through hard work so I can inspire young fencers in both Ivory Coast and the Philippines," said Esteban.
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