History was made again after Maxine Esteban became the first homegrown Filipino fencer to qualify for the Olympics. But while Pinoys proudly waved the Philippine flag and congratulated the 23-year-old, many can’t help but mourn the fact that she will not be representing the Philippines. Esteban switched federations last year and is now playing for Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast).

Maxine Esteban makes history

“Officially qualified for the Paris Olympics,” said the former Ateneo varsity player in a social media post last March 16. Esteban grabbed the lone African women’s foil singles slot during the final Olympic qualifier in Washington, DC.

“I am at a loss for words,” she continued. “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 [second] chances, opened windows, miraculous feats, and generous provisions, thank you, Heavenly Father.”

“This is for Cote d’Ivoire, the country that embraced me, believed in me, and supported me all the way,” added Esteban. “And this is for the Philippines, the country my heart will always beat proud.”

How Maxine Esteban came to represent Cote d’Ivoire

Esteban switched federations last year when the Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) granted her release to compete under another flag. According to a statement she released to Philippine media, her decision to switch was out of “self-respect.”

“Sometimes, we must give ourselves enough respect to walk away from something that doesn’t value our worth,” said the former Ateneo varsity player. “I want everyone to know that I did everything humanly possible to fulfill this long-time dream with the Filipino flag sewn on my uniform.”

According to Esteban, Cote d’Ivoire, a former French colony in West Africa, helped her achieve her dream in an environment of “respect, honor, and equal opportunities.”

This isn’t the first time a Filipino athlete has chosen to switch federations to advance to bigger sporting stages. Esteban follows in the footsteps of United States grandmaster Wesley So and Japan’s golfer Yuka Saso.

Still, Esteban expressed gratitude to POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino “for holding the door open” and letting her take a shot at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Philippine Olympic Committee is proud of Maxine Esteban

Tolentino also expressed delight at Esteban’s achievement. He said that Esteban might not represent our country, but the POC is proud of her nonetheless. “We in the POC are very happy that Maxine, our athlete, has qualified for the Paris Olympics,” said Tolentino. “She may not be representing Team Philippines, but we are so happy for her.”

“So Maxine, do your best to win the gold,” he added.

As for Esteban, she only has one wish: For fellow Filipino fencers to be given the same support she was lucky to receive. “I am praying that the Philippines will be able to qualify more fencers in April,” she added in her statement.

She will now continue to work with her coach, Andrea Magro, who is known for mentoring a handful of Olympic gold medalists.

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