Paris-bound Maxine Esteban grateful for enduring local support

Much love for Maxine.

Two months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, Filipino-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban took some time off training to give herself a much-needed break.

Esteban was present during the Alas Pilinas' match against Australia in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum last May 23.

As a handful of reporters caught up with Esteban, the soon-to-be Olympian expressed her gratitude towards the Filipinos.

"I’m very thankful na people are still supporting me and I hope that they still continue to support not only me but the rest of the Philippine delegation going to the Olympics" she said.

Speaking of support, Esteban was also assured of a solid backup from sportswear giant ANTA by renewing their partnership.

Dating back to her collegiate tournaments when she played for Ateneo, the former UAAP MVP is grateful for the brand's unwavering encouragement.

"They believed in me from the very start since I had nothing and I'm very thankful for everything that they have done for me. It's not only a renewal of contract but a renewal of confidence and trust in me," said Esteban.

ANTA Philippines general manager JP Paglinawan believed that the 23-year-old wunderkind shared common values with the brand, making it a no-brainer of a decision in keeping her with the ANTA family.

"She's a world class athlete. The partnership we started last 2022 and we are renewing it today not because she's going to the Olympics but because we always believed in her ability, in her jive, in her passion for the sport," said Paglinawan.

"We see the brand sharing the same values as Maxine. We see Anta as a world class sports industry product and it's very fitting that we have Maxine to represent the brand in the Olympics," he added.

Esteban was only in the country for a week and is set to fly back to Germany to continue her training and competitions in preparation for the Paris Games.