President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday, August 11, extended his condolences to the family and loved ones of Lydia de Vega, who passed away following a four-year battle with cancer.
“I join the entire nation in mourning the untimely demise of former Asian sprint queen Lydia de Vega, after a four-year battle with breast cancer. My sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones,” Marcos said in a statement.
“Lydia de Vega has run her last race. She has finished her contest. She has fought a good fight. Let us pray for her peace,” the President added.
The death of the former fastest woman in Asia on August 10 was confirmed by her daughter, Steph Mercado de Koenigswarter, in a social media post.
De Vega represented the Philippines and brought home gold medals in the 100-meter event in the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games, and ruled the sprint double in the Asian Athletics Championship in 1983 and 1987.
The athletics legend secured nine championships in the Southeast Asian Games 100-meter event.
She also represented the Philippines in the Seoul 1988 Olympics for the 100-meter event, and in the 1984 Los Angeles games for both 100-meter and 200-meter athletics events.
On July 20, De Vega’s family sought prayers and assistance as she battled breast cancer complications.
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