Filipino-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban finds herself battling a potent cast of competitors when she takes part in the International Fencing Federation Grand Prix Foil in Turin, Italy next month.

In preparation for the tough grind — her first competition for 2025 — Esteban is neck-deep in training, according to her mother Carol Esteban, knowing that the 7 to 10 February tournament will play a pivotal role in her 2025 program.

Esteban is coming off a successful 2024 campaign after she made it to the Paris Olympics.

“Her training started this week,” the elder Esteban said.

Esteban is one of the best female foil fencers on the planet as she is currently at No. 29 in the FIE rankings.

In the Paris Games, Esteban was beaten by French bet Pauline Ranvier, 7-15, in the Round of 32.

After the Summer Games, she spent her holidays with her family in the Philippines.

Esteban even donated running shoes and various equipment to the Olongapo Junior Trackers, who participated in the Batang Pinoy in Puerto Princesa, during her vacation in the country.

Esteban remains committed to improving her craft as she hopes to reach the top 20 in the women’s foil.

She still has three more years to build up and hopefully, qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“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,” Esteban said.