Philippine Fencing Rivalry: The Truth Unveiled
The perceived rivalry between former teammates Maxine Esteban and Samantha Catantan in Philippine fencing is not what it seems. Esteban clarifies that the issue goes beyond personal competition.
Esteban’s Quest for Justice
- Esteban expresses sadness over her removal from the national team while recovering from an ACL injury.
- Despite having an approved excuse letter, she was dropped from the team, leading her to seek justice.
Transition to Ivory Coast
Amid the controversy, Esteban decided to become a naturalized player for Ivory Coast and secured a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Support for Catantan and Gomez
- Esteban emphasizes that there is no rivalry between her and Catantan, urging to stop negative comments about her former teammate.
- She also defends rising star Juliana Gomez, highlighting their friendship and mutual respect in the sport.
Wishing Success for Catantan
Esteban wishes Catantan success in her journey to qualify for the Paris Games through the Asian wild card tournament, acknowledging the challenges of the competitive fencing world.
With Esteban’s support, Catantan prepares for the upcoming qualifier, aiming to excel without any hindrances, as they both pursue their fencing dreams.
