PBBM joins nation in mourning the passing of sprint legend Lydia de Vega

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday offered his condolences to the family of Philippine track and field legend Lydia de Vega, who died Wednesday after a years-long fight with breast 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.

Marcos hailed the accomplishments of de Vega, who was once touted as the fastest woman in Asia and placed the Philippines on the map of international athletics. 

The chief executive said de Vega, who had been battling breast cancer since 2018, “fought a good fight.”

“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 said.

De Vega won the 100-meter gold medal in the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games. 

She also ruled the sprint double in the Asian Athletics Championship in 1983 and 1987. 

The track queen is also a nine-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist – all in her favorite event, the 100-meter dash.

De Vega was also a two-time Olympian, having represented the Philippines in the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics.