By ANGELO CAPARAS
Veteran Toni Leviste continued to make a noise – a good one – as she became the first Filipino to win an international dressage event in Europe.
With a composed and regal ride aboard Lacoste 126, Leviste topped the FEI Prix St. Georges in Belgium on July 19 in a feat that put her back in the limelight again.
For tallying an impressive score of 68.603%, Leviste, 51, clinched a coveted berth to the Philippine team for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.
That because she easily surpassed the SEA Games qualifying mark of 67% set by the Equestrian Association of the Philippines.
“I want to extend my riding career and represent my country in more equestrian disciplines around the world. I am a Filipino athlete in my heart and soul,” said the Sydney 2000 Olympian.
The 2002 Asian Games silver medalist edged out Belgian riders Anneleen Wagemans and Laurens Vanderbeeken who trailed behind with 66.544% and 65.956%, respectively.
This marked the first time a Filipino equestrian has topped an FEI-level dressage event in Europe—an achievement that firmly cements Leviste’s legacy as a trailblazer in Philippine equestrian sports.
Displaying mastery in the saddle, Leviste impressed FEI 4-star judges F. Mleyman and Michele Bouvy enough to lead a competitive field of European riders.
It’s the latest highlight in a resume that already features the FEI World Finals, two World Championship appearances, and a haul of SEA Games medals in show jumping.
