Kids

Maxine and Carol Esteban: Lunging To The 2024 Olympics

by Noelle D. Lejano
July 26, 2024

Maxine Esteban sets her sight on the 2024 Olympics and this was not possible without the help of her mom Carol, who has guided her in her journey

Maxine Esteban is a Filipino–Ivorian fencer with a simple dream: to compete in the Olympics. She began training at eight years old, and her dream from the beginning was to compete in the Olympics. Fifteen years later, that dream is finally within arm’s length, thanks to her enduring nature and steadfast support system. Today, Maxine is the 2024 African silver medalist and a 2023 African bronze medalist in the women’s foil.

Her journey to the Paris Olympics is a testament to both her perseverance, and the power of parental support in the pursuit of any dream. From early sports immersion to navigating injuries, the unwavering dedication of her family, particularly her mother, Carol Esteban, has played a crucial role. In an in-depth conversation, Maxine and Carol shared insights on their ongoing experience and how it has transformed them both.

Unconditional Support from the Beginning

From the outset, Maxine’s parents were her steadfast supporters. They quickly embraced the value of sports in instilling discipline, perseverance, and grit. Maxine shares, “My parents supported me unconditionally from the very beginning. They introduced my sisters and me to various sports because they believed it instilled discipline, perseverance, and grit.”

This early immersion in sports was not about achieving immediate success but about building a foundation of values that would serve her throughout life. Carol echoed this sentiment, “Being athletes ourselves, we immersed our children in different sports at a young age. We wanted them to learn the values of discipline and hard work. We never imposed any particular sport upon them. We just wanted them to enjoy themselves.”

Maxine’s parents encouraged her and her siblings to excel not only in sports but also in academics and other pursuits. “They encouraged us to excel in academics, our chosen sports, and musical instruments, providing all the necessary support—physical, financial, emotional, and mental,” Maxine noted. This holistic approach to their children’s development laid the impressive groundwork for Maxine’s future success in fencing.

Financial and Emotional Backing

Fencing is an expensive sport, and Maxine’s parents never wavered in their financial support, even when it meant significant sacrifices. Maxine recalled, “When I decided to get a foreign coach and train abroad, my parents supported me financially. Even though it was a burden, they never asked me to stop.” This financial commitment was crucial in allowing Maxine to pursue her dreams at an international level. Carol added, “At the beginning of Maxine’s fencing journey, we allowed her to enjoy the sport. When we noticed that she was very passionate about it and was winning in local competitions, we discussed her goals and aspirations. She was reaching for the Olympics from the beginning, so we knew we had to help her train and compete internationally.”

The financial aspect was just one part of the equation. Emotional support was equally critical for Maxine’s success. “When I succeeded, they celebrated with me. When I failed, they consoled and encouraged me,” she said. This emotional resilience, fostered by her parents, was vital in navigating the ups and downs of competitive sports. Carol emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, “We have instilled in her early on that winning is never the goal in sports, it is reaching for your best. Therefore, as long as she does her best, that is already enough for us.”

Encouragement Through It All

Maxine’s parents provided crucial emotional support, celebrating her victories and comforting her in defeat. “They always told me that winning is not the ultimate goal in sports; it’s about striving for your best and standing up each time you fall,” Maxine shared. This mindset helped Maxine to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Carol reinforced this philosophy, saying, “We taught her to be strong in defeats and humble in successes. Lastly, we taught her the value of integrity. As you go higher and higher in competition, there will be challenges. Never compromise integrity for glory.”

Maxine’s resilience was continually bolstered by her parents’ belief in her abilities. Knowing that her parents were proud of her regardless of the outcome allowed Maxine to focus on her love for fencing and the joy it brought her above all else.

“These assurances were crucial for my growth and progress as an athlete. Knowing they were happy and proud of me regardless of the results allowed me to enjoy the sport and encouraged me to never give up,” she said.

Overcoming Injuries and Setbacks

Maxine’s experience was not void of challenges, including an ACL tear during a competition and three surgeries. She had to switch to using her left hand for competing, and endured a disqualification from representing the Philippines leading her to avail of a citizenship shift.

Despite these setbacks, her parents’ support never faltered. Carol recounted a particularly challenging period, “When she suffered a fatal hand injury and had to undergo two major surgeries, she was told she might not fence again. But this did not stop her from fencing. She tripled the rehab exercises that were prescribed to her and continued to join training to practice footwork, even competing using her left hand.” It is clear that Maxine’s passion for fencing pushed forth a steady resilience in the face of adversity.

Maxine’s parents were her constant pillars of support throughout these difficult times. “They were my advisors and confidantes. They were my rock,” Maxine shared. Carol expressed immense pride in Maxine’s perseverance, saying, “Though she never regained the full grip on her fencing hand, she went on to train and compete, achieving so many historic firsts for the country. And while we were concerned with her academics and health, she continued to do well in school despite her very hectic schedule.”

This stands to be true, as Maxine went above and beyond fencing and the challenges that came with it. She’s a colorful, intellectual individual who is musically-inclined, loves fashion and the arts, and a summa cum laude graduate from the University of Pennsylvania as a summa cum laude.

Advice for Young Athletes and Their Parents

As Maxine makes her way to the Paris Olympics, she has a single message for young athletes: “Dream big, work hard, and never give up. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Set a goal and work hard every day to achieve it. You chart your own destiny. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” Her story, a long one at that, inspires aspiring athletes, showing that with dedication and support, even the most challenging goals are achievable.

Carol’s advice for parents raising young athletes is equally moving. She highlighted the transformative power of sports, sharing, “Immerse your children in sports. It does wonders for your children. In sports, they will learn values and lessons they cannot learn within the confines of a classroom. Encourage them, but never push them into something they are not comfortable doing. Let them enjoy the process, the journey.”

She emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, “Each athlete has their own potential, their own journey, their own calling. So, do not treat a defeat as failure. It is just an opportunity to try harder. But also know when it’s time to move on. We are not defined by our achievements nor failures in the first place.”

Maxine’s ascent to the Olympics displays the power of parental support in nurturing young athletes. With her mother’s guidance and tireless belief, Maxine has not only become a top fencer but also a role model for aspiring athletes all around. Carol’s concluding advice captures the essence of their journey, “When you are up there, be humble. Achieving something at the expense of others is wrong. Integrity is paramount.”

In the face of challenges and triumphs, Maxine and her family’s story is a reminder of the importance of support, resilience, and integrity in the pursuit of excellence. As Maxine competes in the Paris Olympics, she carries with her both the enduring love for her family and her home country, who remain with her every step of the way.