Veteran Filipino equestrienne Toni Leviste made history as the first Filipino to win an international dressage event by clinching gold in the FEI Prix St. Georges Class at the Flemalle Concours de dressage National in Belgium. This victory not only marked a significant milestone in her career but also secured her a spot in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. Leviste was honored in Manila by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, recognizing her decades-long dedication to representing the Philippines in equestrian sports.

Leviste’s achievements reflect her pioneering role in Philippine equestrian history, having been the first Filipino equestrienne to compete in the Sydney 2000 Olympics and earning a silver medal at the 2002 Busan Asian Games, along with multiple SEA Games medals. She expressed deep national pride and gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing her commitment to bringing honor to the country and representing the Filipino people on the international stage.