Pattaya—While the 30th Southeast Asian Games were ongoing in Manila, there was another sweet victory for Team Philippines for Equestrian Jumping in Pattaya, Thaland, where the inaugural FEI Equestrian Championships were hosted.
The jumping team composed of Olympian Toni Leviste, veteran Philippine team member Joker Arroyo and US based rider Colin Syquia climbed up the medal board to clinch the Team Silver Medal, after coming from fourth position behind Hong Kong, Kuwait and Uzbekistan; the top three teams in the lead after the first team round.
The Philippines only had three riders, having no opportunity to discard the lowest score of the group, in what is normally a team of four riders. But the crowd at the prestigious Thai Polo and Equestrian Club and the equestrian enthusiasts watching the live streaming around the world were astonished and awed at the Filipino fighting spirit.
Team Philippines was assured of the bronze medal once Leviste, the anchor rider for Team Philippines crossed the finish line with a faultless round on the second day of the team event. The Filipinos eventually clinched the team silver medal, only after the anchor rider from Team Kuwait finished with 10 penalty points.
“It was an incredible feeling to have the opportunity to showcase what the Filipino can do, faced with nearly insurmountable circumstances,” said Leviste. “It’s always a proud moment to see our flag flying high on foreign soil, and on the world stage.”