Competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a dream come true for Filipino fencer Maxine Esteban.
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on August 9, 2024, Maxine shared details about her incredible experience.
The interview was held during the launch event of basketball star Dwight Ramos as the ambassador of G-SHOCK’s G-Steel GBM-2100 Series at SM Megamall.
"It was very overwhelming and I was very happy to be there," Maxine told PEP.
Although Maxine didn't make it to the podium, she still feels fulfilled, having set a personal best during the competition.
"I was very happy with my performance because I was able to finish with a rank of 23rd.
"For me, it was a great run and it was the highest that any Filipino did. So, I'm very happy and I feel very blessed."
What's her most memorable moment?
Maxine replied: "I guess my most memorable moment is andoon lahat ng family members ko to support me.
"And I'm very thankful that they're there because I haven't seen them for so long... because of training.
"And I was very happy and thankful na I got to see them after so long."
Besides having her family in Paris to support her, another unforgettable highlight for Maxine was seeing her idol, American tennis star Taylor Fritz, in person.
"I got starstruck meeting Taylor Fritz. Pero sad nga because I really wanted to see EJ Obiena and Carlos Yulo. But I wasn't able to see them," said Maxine.
Her fellow Filipino Olympians EJ Obiena and Carlos Yulo competed for pole vault and artistic gymnastics, respectively. EJ placed fourth, while Carlos bagged two gold medals for men's floor exercises and vault.
Read: Carlos Yulo wins back-to-back gold medals for the Philippines
Read: EJ Obiena finishes fourth in Paris Olympics men's pole vault
MAXINE ESTEBAN: SUPPORT ON FOR FILIPINO ATHLETES
Meanwhile, Maxine also hoped for increased support, emphasizing the need for better funding, for Filipino athletes in general, especially for fencers.
Maxine said: "The Filipino talent is really great. And sobrang daming may potential na fencers and other sports.
"And I think now with the proper funding, Filipinos can really make it to the Olympics and even get a medal at the Olympics.
"And I'm very happy na people are starting to know fencing more and take interest in fencing.
"And I hope people also come to the Olympics."
For now, Maxine will be taking a break as she completes her therapy session to address her knee injury.
But she already looks forward to training, which might start in December 2024, for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
"Right now, I wanna rest muna for maybe a few months because I'm also taking therapy for my knee injury... So maybe December, I'm gonna start training again...
"And yes, LA is in the plans."
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