Toni Leviste: Tunay na Atletang Pilipino

“Madali maging mabuting tao kapag okay ang buhay at walang krisis. Pero ‘pag masama ang situation, hindi ito excuse para mag-complain. Mas maraming taong may problema na mas mabigat.” Ito ang pahayag ng Philippine equestrienne na si Toni Leviste in an interview with GMA News at the Leviste Farm in Lipa City. Maganda ang ginawa ng atletang Pinay na ito. Akalain niyo, sa gitna ng kanilang family crisis, dala na rin ng murder case na kinakaharap ng kanyang ama, si dating Batangas Governor Antonio Leviste, Toni flew to Bahrain and became the first non-Arab to compete in the World Arab League Jumping Qualifiers last February 23. She bested a field that included riders like Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Al Eid, 2000 Sydney Olympics bronze medalist, and Qatar’s Ali Al Rhumahi, 2006 Asian Games gold medalist. By the way, Toni was one of only two female riders in a field of 45 competitors. Toni belongs to a special breed of Pinoy athletes. She had all the reasons not to fly to Bahrain but she had a commitment to fulfill… her commitment to flag and country. Ang sabi ni Toni: “I didn’t want to disappoint my countrymen and my Dad as well.” “I know in my own little way, binigyan ko ng something positive ang bansa. It’s not in the winning or losing… as long as I did the country good, I feel my life is worth something,” dagdag pa niya. It takes character to be able to do what Toni has achieved. She triumphed amidst a crisis!