At the 2024 African Championships held in Casablanca, Filipino fencer Maxine Esteban secured a silver medal in women’s individual foil, setting the stage for her participation in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Representing Ivory Coast after switching federations, Esteban showcased her skills by dominating the competition and advancing to the championship match. Despite a narrow 8-9 defeat in the final, she earned the runner-up spot. The former Ateneo athlete swept through the pool play and secured her spot in the championship round by defeating Egypt’s Malak Hamza with a score of 15-6. The 23-year-old athlete is now focused on preparing for the Summer Games where she will compete under the banner of Ivory Coast. The bronze medals in the women’s individual foil category were awarded to Noha Hany and Hamza, completing the podium.
