FORMER national fencer Maxine Esteban has been saddened by what she felt were the unwarranted attacks on some of her former teammates on social media following the release of a statement by the Philippine Fencing Association comparing her statistical achievements with that of Sam Catantan.
Esteban, who will compete under the flag of the Ivory Coast where she obtained citizenship so she could qualify for the Paris Olympics, was surprised by the attacks on Catantan which she said was unfair as Catantan is one of her best friends and her fight against the PFA was never between her and Sam.
READ Fencing association breaks silence on Maxine Esteban nationality switch
She also asked her fans and netizens to refrainn from dragging Juliana Gomez, daughter of former PFA president and concurrent member of Congress Richard Gomez, into the fray saying she, too, was innocent of any wrongdoing by the PFA.
"It saddens me to see my teammate’s name brought up in this issue. It was never a fight between me and Sam. It was my quest for for JUSTICE against my removal from the national team despite being issued an approved WRITTEN excuse letter to skip all local qualifiers and training while recovering from my surgery," Esteban said in her Facebook account.
Esteban continued: "I have always been protective of my teammates. Their problems were mine too. Therefore, I would really appreciate it if we stop writing negative comments about her as she is not at fault here. It hurt me seeing her name brought up as she was not only my teammate, she was my best friend. We grew up together, we made historic wins together, we lost together, and most importantly, we dreamt together."
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Last April 3, the fencing organization issued an official statement airing its side on the Esteban exit issue which it claims has 'adversely affected' the morale and cohesion of the national team.
From then on, some fans have pitted the two against each other, which Esteban said was unacceptable.
She also mentioned that she and Catantan could've vied for an Olympic slot together had the PFA let her compete under the Philippine flag.
"We could have both achieved our dream and qualified in the Olympics as a team. Unknown to many, you don't have to qualify individually, you can qualify as a TEAM," she continued.
"Likewise, I appeal to all of you to refrain from dragging Julianna Gomez's name in this issue as well. Juliana is a friend," she added.
Richard Gomez was the president of the fencing association at the time of Esteban's exit. He was replaced by former national team member Rene Gacuma last November 2023.
Esteban decided to acquire Ivory Coast citizenship after a falling out with the PFA when the association dropped her from the rolls of the fencing national pool following a lengthy absence due to an ACL injury.
This did not sit well with Esteban who then took Ivory Coast citizenship, competed in the African Games, won some medals, and then participated in Olympic qualifying where she succeeded.
She will represent Ivory Coast in the foil competition where Catantan is also billed to participate. If the stars align, the two may go up against each other in Paris.
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