Filipina-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban gets emotional after reflecting on her journey to the Olympics.
It all started with a little girl’s dream.
It has been almost two months since the Olympic Games Paris 2024 happened but the memory feels surreal for Filipina-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban.
Facing the hometown favorite, Pauline Ranvier, Maxine gave it her all in a tough match, ultimately finishing with a score of 7-15.
The loss was bittersweet, but it underscored her incredible journey and the unwavering spirit she brought to every bout.
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In her Instagram reel, she shared her sports journey that made who she was today.
Maxine opens up about her beginnings as a young figure skater and her exploration of other sports like swimming, cycling, and taekwondo.
Each step, each challenge, helped shape her into the remarkable athlete she is today.
“When we were children, our parents exposed us to many different sports because they believed that sports instilled discipline, perseverance, and grit,” she wrote.
At just 13, Maxine Esteban discovered fencing, and it was a love affair from the very start.
“When I was 13, I began fencing. I fell in love with the sport right away. My love for fencing grew rapidly. And fencing loved me back,” she shared.
Her love for fencing blossomed into a brilliant career, earning her accolades in international tournaments and establishing her as one of the leading Filipina fencers.
Yet, her journey was not without its heartaches. Maxine faced daunting setbacks, including a severe ACL injury during the world championships.
As she was painstakingly recovering from this major setback, she faced an unexpected and devastating blow: her eight-year journey with the Philippine national fencing team ended abruptly when she was removed from the roster without warning.
“I suffered two injuries and underwent three major surgeries. I had to endure an arduous journey back through rehab,” Maxine emotionally recalled.
“Many times, I thought of giving up. But then I faced my biggest challenge. I found out I had been removed from the Philippine National team.”
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Maxine Esteban faced a heart-wrenching decision to switch nationalities in pursuit of her Olympic dreams, finding a new home with Côte d'Ivoire.
“I found a new home in Côte d'Ivoire. The Ivorians gave me my shot. Through them and with them, and with the support of those who have been around me since day one, I kept pushing,” she shared with deep emotion.
Maxine poured her heart into her Olympic match, confronting the hometown favorite, Pauline Ranvier.
The bittersweet loss highlighted her incredible journey and the unbreakable spirit she carried into the arena.
Her story is a powerful reminder of how resilience can turn dreams into reality.
“Never let anyone chart your destiny. You are the author of your own story,” Maxine urges.
“To young Filipinos and Ivorians everywhere, always believe in yourself and in God’s plan for you. In everything, pour your heart and you can achieve anything.”
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