Former Ateneo fencer Maxine Esteban, who now competes for Ivory Coast, is seen in this file photo from the UAAP Season 82 fencing competitions in February 2020. UAAP Media/File

MANILA -- Maxine Esteban remains a source of pride and honor for the Philippines even if she will represent Ivory Coast in the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

This, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino who wished Esteban well after the fencer qualified for the Summer Games last week.

READ: Fencer Maxine Esteban punches ticket to Paris Olympics

"We in the POC are very happy that Maxine, our athlete, has qualified for the Paris Olympics," Tolentino said in a statement recently. "She may not be representing Team Philippines, but we are so happy for her."

"So Maxine, do your best to win the gold," he added.

Esteban qualified after placing 83rd in the 2024 Absolute Fencing Gear FIE Foil Grand Prix in Washington last March 15, topping the qualifying race for the Africa continental zone.

The former Ateneo de Manila University standout switched federations in May 2023 after becoming a naturalized citizen of Ivory Coast. She explained at the time that she made the decision due to "self-respect."

Esteban had also expressed her gratitude to the POC after Tolentino requested the International Olympic Committee to waive a residency requirement, which paved the way for her to compete for the Ivory Coast and later earn an Olympic slot.

READ: Fencer Maxine Esteban explains decision to switch federations

Tolentino said that while seeing Esteban compete for another nation pinches the heart, he believes that she will always be a Filipino in her heart and soul.

"We want Maxine to pursue her Olympic dream, and now, she's there," he said.

No Filipino fencer has qualified to the Paris Games yet. So far, the Philippines will be represented in Paris by six athletes: pole vaulter EJ Obiena; boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas; and gymnasts Caros Yulo and Aleah Finnegan.

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