Fil-Ivorian Maxine Esteban hugs Frenchwoman Paulin Ranvier after their Paris Olympics Round of 32 contest. FIE photo
Blessed, grateful — Esteban
FIL-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban will have Paris Olympics as one of core memories in her decorated career.
It took a while for Esteban to share a heartfelt celebration of her milestone, a week after exiting in the women’s individual foil Round of 32, dropping a 7-15 decision to hometown bet and Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Paulin Ranvier at the iconic Grand Palais.
For the eight-time Philippine national champion and World Cup multi-medalist who switched federations late last year, Esteban’s short journey in Paris will make her stronger.
“My first Olympics! Blessed and grateful,” Esteban wrote on her Instagram account late Sunday.
“Someday, when I need to reach for a core memory to help me through hard times, I will remember Paris 2024 to reassure myself that doors can close, but windows will open.
“Setbacks can happen, but the comeback can be better. In every game, we may lose, but strength lies in knowing we are not defeated. In life, we may be beaten, but never broken.
Esteban secured a spot after hurdling the final Olympic qualifier in Washington D.C. in the United States last March. Although she lost in the second-round match, Esteban had already collected enough points from previous Olympic qualifiers to make it to Paris.
“This may have been one rollercoaster ride, but it was damn magical! For all the good times, and the bad, I am blessed. I am grateful. To God be the glory! #Paris2024 #Olympics #Olympian,” Esteban said.
For now, Esteban will take a break for a few months before going back to the grind as will try to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
