Prized fencer Maxine Esteban will never forget the lessons, challenges and all the memories that the Paris Olympics had given her.

And as the year comes to an end, the 24-year-old Esteban looks back with a smile in her heart fully knowing that she did well while representing the country she grew up in and the country that loved and treated her as if she is its own.

“Someday, when I need to reach for a core memory to get me through tough times, I will remember Paris 2024 and tell myself doors can close but windows will open,” said Esteban, the long-time Philippine national team member who got dropped by the Philippine Fencing Federation that forced her to represent Ivory Coast as naturalized player.

“Setbacks will happen but the comeback can be better. We may lose in every game but strength is in knowing we are not defeated. We may be beaten in life but never broken.”

Competing for Ivory Coast, Esteban made a splash in her Olympic debut finishing 23rd out of 34 in the women’s foil. She faced off against Pauline Ranvier, the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist and personal friend.

“A loss no matter where will always be disappointing. There’s no excuse,” she said.

“It’s easy to say this is my first Olympics and I was facing the silver medalist from the last Olympics. But the truth is I never felt like the underdog. For Cote D’Ivoire for the Philippines, how could I? I always felt like I could win for them and make both my homes proud.”

“In my maiden appearance, I am happy to have made a final ranking of #23 out of the 34 fencers,” she said.

“It is an honor to fence the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, Pauline Ranvier from France in the T32, who is also my friend. For now, I will pick up the lessons from this setback and use it to make me stronger.”

But her determination remains unwavering.

“My goal remains the same. I still want to make it to the world’s top 20, and I hope my result here will help me achieve that,” she said.

Beyond her performance on the piste, Esteban’s year was defined by her unwavering commitment to giving back.

Last November, Esteban donated shoes to the Olongapo Junior Trackers, a local sports club that reached out to her for assistance.

“I looked for clubs, and they approached me. I was really touched by their message, so I decided to reach out to my sponsors so they can help me,” Esteban said.

“It was very easy because my sponsors have always been supportive of my advocacy. As much as possible, they also try their best to help other clubs and athletes.”

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Esteban’s commitment to fostering growth in Philippine sports, even from afar, speaks volumes about her character.

“Even though I no longer represent the Philippines in the Olympics, I promised myself that I want to remain relevant in Philippine sports by helping our athletes,” she said.

She has also been quietly supporting young Filipino fencers, ensuring that her impact transcends boundaries and federations.

This dual allegiance — both to her heritage and her current federation — has made Esteban a unique figure in the fencing world.

Her journey is a reminder that representation is not solely about flags or anthems; it’s about the spirit and purpose with which one competes.