Maxine Esteban clinches Paris Olympics slot for Cote d'Ivoire

Fencer Maxine Esteban has officially qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics as she will represent Cote d'Ivoire in the Summer Games.

Esteban, a former Philippine athlete, confirmed the development on Saturday.

"The significance of the Olympic stage, for an OLY, is not the event. It is what it symbolizes… unwavering passion and discipline. May I inspire those who dream and have at one point almost given up, to persist amidst storms and rough waters," Esteban wrote in a social media post.

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"This is for Cote d’Ivoire, the country that embraced me, believed in me and supported me all the way, and for the Philippines, the country my heart will always [be] proud of," she added.

Esteban switched national federations in 2023 as she chased her Olympic dream, but also as a matter of "self-respect."

During the time she was representing the Philippines, Esteban had medals in the 2017, 2019, and 2021 editions of the Southeast Asian Games. She is also a UAAP champion in fencing as she represented Ateneo de Manila University.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News