Facing Off in the Olympics
Filipino-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban expressed her excitement at the prospect of facing local fencer Samantha Catantan in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Esteban mentioned that it would be an honor to compete against Catantan, considering her skills and talent.
High Hopes for the Olympics
Esteban highlighted the competitive nature of all fencers participating in the Olympics, emphasizing the quality of athletes in the competition. She expressed her desire to potentially meet Catantan in the finals rather than in the early stages of the event.
Training and Preparation
Esteban, who now represents Ivory Coast, shared details about her training regimen and upcoming competitions. She mentioned traveling to Germany for intensive training, followed by sessions in Poland and a training camp in Paris alongside the Japanese and French national fencing teams.
Encouraging Former Teammates
Esteban encouraged her former teammates to seek opportunities for training abroad and participate in more competitions to gain experience and confidence. She praised the talent in the Philippines and expressed hope for more fencers to qualify for international events.
Renewed Sponsorship and Support
Before watching a volleyball match, Esteban renewed her sponsorship deal with sports apparel brand ANTA. The brand expressed confidence in Esteban’s abilities and commitment to the sport, highlighting her role as a world-class athlete and ambassador for both the Ivory Coast and the Philippines.
Esteban acknowledged the overwhelming support she received from both countries and recognized the importance of her role in inspiring future athletes.