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By Ruben D. Manahan 4th, Reporter
THE Philippine Equestrian Federation felt the
absence of veteran rider Marie Antoinette Leviste in the recent 24th
Southeast Asian Games held in Thailand.
PEF chef de equip Charissa Coscoluella said
Leviste’s absence has a big impact on the riders’ morale.
“It’s very different when you have a veteran rider to anchor the
team.”
“But nonetheless, we just can’t rely on
veteran riders because we can’t deny the fact that our young
riders are also highly-skilled,” Coscoluella said.
She expressed her satisfaction with the
performance of 17-year-old Diego Lorenzo. “The SEAG was his first
international exposure as far as the regional championships is
concerned and I’m very proud of his accomplishment.”
Lorenzo performed like a veteran and was
rewarded with a silver medal in the individual jumping event.
Just like in the 2005 Manila SEAG, Malaysia won
the gold in the event and Lorenzo’s silver finish was admirable.
“Mas won the gold two years ago so Lorenzo has
proven his worth in the Philippine team,” Coscoluella added.
Leviste, a silver medalist in the individual
show jumping event and a member of the team which won the gold
during the 2005 Manila SEAG, failed to join this year’s SEAG
because she can’t bring her horse to Thailand.
Leviste is scheduled to compete in the World Cup
Arab League from January to April next year. She won the Bahrain leg
of the same tournament last year.
“We’re very proud that a female non-Arab was
invited in the Arab league. She was invited because of her
performance last year,” said Coscoluella.
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