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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Toni Leviste etches name in history with dressage victory in Europe

Toni Leviste etches name in history with dressage victory in Europe

Published Jul 30, 2025 01:22 pm

At A Glance

  • Flying the Philippine flag high, Toni Leviste made history in equestrian after becoming the first Filipino to win an international dressage event in Europe by topping the FEI Prix St. Georges in Belgium on July 19.
Toni Leviste
Toni Leviste
By ANGELO CAPARAS
Intern
Flying the Philippine flag high, Toni Leviste made history in equestrian after becoming the first Filipino to win an international dressage event in Europe by topping the FEI Prix St. Georges in Belgium on July 19.
With a composed ride aboard Lacoste 126, Leviste registered a score of 68.603 percent to comfortably surpass the 67-percent Southeast Asian Games qualifying mark set by the Equestrian Association of the Philippines.
The 2002 Asian Games silver medalist edged out Belgian riders Anneleen Wagemans and Laurens Vanderbeeken who trailed behind with 66.544 percent and 65.956 percent, 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.
In addition to her historic feat, the 51-year-old athlete clinched a coveted berth in the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand this December.
“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.
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