The Philippine Olympic Committee extended its congratulations to Maxine Esteban after formally qualifying in the Paris Olympics under the colors of Ivory Coast.
In a statement, POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino wished Esteban well, saying that se may be representing the tiny West African country but she will forever be a Filipino at heart.
“We in the POC are very happy that Maxine, our athlete, has qualified for the Paris Olympics,” Tolentino said on Tuesday.
“She may not be representing Team Philippines, but we are so happy for her.”
“So Maxine, do your best to win the gold.”
The 23-year-old Esteban used to be the highest ranked female fencer in the country.
But she tore her anterior cruciate ligament during the World Championships in Cairo in 2022.
When she recovered, the Philippine Fencing Association refused to reinstate her, prompting her to pack her bags and join Ivory Coast with the hopes of seeing action in the Paris Olympics.
Last Monday, the 23-year-old Esteban formally sealed her Olympic entry in women’s foil event after competing in the final Olympic qualifier in Washington DC.
Esteban thanked Tolentino for signing her transfer to Ivory Coast’s national Olympic committee.
“I’d like to thank my parents and my entire family for their support and for those who helped to make sure the door would be always open for me to continue chasing my dreams, like POC president Abraham Tolentino, who chose to extend a helping hand when I needed it the most,” Esteban said.
Tolentino said seeing Esteban compete for another nation pinches the heart, but he believes that she will always be a Filipino at heart.
“We want Maxine pursue her Olympic dream — and now, she’s there,” Tolentino said.
The Paris Games are set 26 July to 11 August with the Philippines having qualified six athletes so far — Olympics returnees Ernest John Obiena (men’s pole vault), Eumir Felix Marcial (boxing), Nesthy Petecio (boxing) and Carlos Yulo (gymnastics) and first-time qualifiers Aleah Finnegan (gymnastics) and Aira Villegas (boxing).
