Philippine fencer Maxine Esteban wins silver at African Fencing Championships

Philippine-born Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban won her second consecutive silver medal in the women's individual foil category at the 23rd African Fencing Championships in Lagos, Nigeria.

After an eight-month hiatus due to a back injury sustained during the 2024 Paris Olympics where she finished 23rd overall, Esteban expressed that this medal is a testament to patience and recovery.

In her return, Esteban defeated Algeria's Malek Tantast with a score of 15-3 in the Round of 16 before securing a narrow victory against Egypt's Jana Ehab with a score of 15-12 in the quarterfinals.

Esteban then faced and beat Malak Hamza from Egypt with a score of 15-8 in the semifinals, only to lose to Sara Hossny in the final match where she secured second place with a score of 15-8.

Esteban's next goal is to compete in the upcoming World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia and then return home for a fencing outreach program for children in the Philippines.