The Manila Times

Nation mourns death of Lydia de Vega

CATHERINE S. VALENTE, JAVIER JOE ISMAEL AND MOISES CRUZ

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. joined the entire nation in mourning the death of Filipina track-andfield legend Lydia de Vega-Mercado, 57, who lost her battle with cancer on Wednesday.

“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 on Thursday.

“Lydia was once touted as the fastest woman in Asia and she placed the Philippines on the map of international athletics. She won the 100-meter gold medal in the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games,” he added.

De Vega-Mercado was also a nine-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist.

“Lydia was also a two-time Olympian, having represented the Philippines in the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics,” Marcos said, noting that the 100-meter dash was de Vega-Mercado’s favorite event.

“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,” he said.

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2022-08-12T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-08-12T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digitaledition.manilatimes.net/article/281762748033629

The Manila Times