Paris Olympics fencer Maxine Esteban of Ivory Coast clinched a silver medal in the women’s individual foil in the 23rd African Fencing Championships in Lagos, Nigeria on Thursday.
Esteban, who was born in the Philippines but opted to compete for the Ivorians, made it all the way to the final before losing to Sara Amr of Egypt, 8-15.
“Silver in the African Championships! Thank you to my coaches, teammates and family for the support! To God be the glory!” Esteban said.
Prior to the final, the 24-year-old Esteban defeated Egyptian Malak Hamza, 15-8, in the semifinal.
The tournament will continue until Sunday.
Esteban is working hard after her early exit in the Paris Olympics last year.
There, the Ateneo de Manila University alumnus lost to Pauline Ranvier of France, 15-7, in the Table of 32.
Esteban is currently ranked at No. 30 in the latest International Fencing Federation list in women’s foil.