Maxine Esteban speaks up about Sam Catantan, Juliana Gomez

Paris Olympics-bound fencer Maxine Esteban on Saturday spoke about fellow fencers Sam Catantan and Juliana Gomez.

In a social media post, Esteban said she was saddened that Catantan's name was brought up in the issue of her transfer of federation to Cote d'Ivoire.

"It was never a fight between me and Sam. It was my quest for justice against my removal from the national team despite being issued an approved written excuse letter to skip all local qualifiers and training while recovering from my surgery," Esteban said.

Esteban previously said she was hurt with her removal from the national team after her injury.

The Philippine Fencing Association, meanwhile, said "The Philippine Fencing Federation stated that when they decided to delist fencer Maxine Esteban from the lineup for the 2023 SEA Games, Esteban was still recovering from an ACL injury. The PFA complied with the requirement of the PSC to submit names of the official lineup to the SEA Games organizers by January 1st, 2023."

The fencing body also said they are also sending Catantan to vie for the remaining slots for the Olympics as she is the country's top foilist, and they are happy for Esteban's qualification to Paris.

"I have always been protective of my teammates. Their problems were mine too. Therefore, I would really appreciate it if we stop writing negative comments about her as she is not at fault here," Esteban said about Catantan.

"It was always a privilege to stand alongside a brilliant fencer like her. We could have both achieved our dream and qualified in the Olympics as a team. Unknown to many, you dont have to qualify individually, you can qualify as a team."

Esteban said she also understands Catantan's situation with her upcoming qualifier.

"As she is now preparing for the wild card tournament, she needs all the focus."

"Without me in her way now, I wish her all the best in the upcoming wild card qualifier, and hope she qualifies," Catantan added.

She also requested not to drag Gomez' name in the issue.

"Julianna is a friend. She is an up and coming brilliant fencer making a name for herself. She fences epee, a different weapon from me. I wish her well, and congratulates her on her recent UAAP win."

Gomez recently won the gold medal in the UAAP for the University of the Philippines.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News