Philippine Fencing Association Addresses Maxine Esteban’s Nationality Switch
After months of silence, the Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) has responded to Olympic-bound Maxine Esteban’s decision to switch nationalities, clarifying the situation and providing insights into the matter.
Background
Maxine Esteban, a former standout in the Philippine national fencing team, recently qualified for the Paris Olympics and subsequently switched her nationality to compete for Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). This move sparked controversy and led to allegations of unfair treatment by Esteban against the PFA.
PFA’s Response
The PFA emphasized that Samantha Catantan is the top-ranked Philippine fencer in the women’s foil category, citing performance statistics and head-to-head results between Catantan and Esteban from 2017 to 2024. The association stated that Catantan’s consistent high rankings in international competitions justified her selection as the country’s representative.
Addressing Esteban’s accusations, the PFA expressed concern over the impact on team morale and cohesion. Despite supporting Esteban’s decision to switch nationalities, the association highlighted the logistical challenges faced in accommodating her participation in competitions while her passport status was pending.
Esteban’s Journey
Esteban’s transition to representing Ivory Coast was driven by her ambition to secure an Olympic berth, leveraging her personal resources to compete in more tournaments than the PFA’s budget allowed. The association acknowledged the strategic nature of Esteban’s decision, considering the competitive landscape in Asia and the Americas.
Commitment to Athletes
While acknowledging the complexities of the situation, the PFA reiterated its commitment to supporting national team athletes and enhancing internal processes for transparency and fairness. The association aims to foster the development of Filipino fencers and uphold national pride in international competitions.