MANILA, Philippines — Tinusok ni Pinay fencer Maxine Esteban ang tiket para sa 2024 Olympic Games sa Paris, France sa Hulyo.
Ngunit hindi Pilipinas ang kanyang dadalhin sa quadrennial event kundi ang bansang Cote de’Ivoire matapos magpalit ng citizenship noong nakaraang taon.
“This journey is truly a testimony of God’s faithfulness. Today, I am in awe of His love for me and I am grateful He has carried me through,” ani Esteban sa kanyang Facebook page.
Umaasa ang Filipino-Ivorian, inangkin ang nag-iisang African singles spot sa women’s foil, na may iba ring Pinoy fencer na makakapasok sa 2024 Paris Olympics.
Sinabi ni Esteban, ang eight-time Philippine national champion at World Cup multi-medalist, na ang pagbulsa niya ng Olympic berth ay umpisa pa lang ng kanyang paglalakbay.
“This is not the end. This is just part of the ongoing journey. There will be more days of hard work ahead, all to make sure that I won’t be satisfied with just making an appearance at the Paris Olympics but use that grand stage as a chance to compete and test myself again, ani Esteban.
Sumabak si Esteban sa final Olympic qualifier sa Washington D.C. sa United States kung saan siya natalo sa second-round match.
Sa kabila ng kabiguan ay nakakolekta si Esteban ng sapat na puntos mula sa mga nauna niyang sinalihang Olympic qualifier competitions papasok sa Paris Games.
“This is for Cote d’Ivoire, the country that embraced me, believed in me, and supported me all the way, and this is for the Philippines, the country my heart will always beat proud,” sabi Esteban na patuloy na sasanayin ni Italian fencing coach Andrea Magro na tumulong sa ilang Olympic gold medalists.
Babalik si Esteban sa Manila sa Mayo para magbakasyon.