House Speaker Martin Romualdez highlighted on the Thursday, Aug. 11 the legacy of retired Filipino sprinter Lydia de Vega, who passed away at the age of 57.
He also underscored the need to give Filipino athletes the support that they need even if they are no longer competing.
“Lydia de Vega was one of the greatest and the most decorated Filipino athletes. She brought honor and pride to our country by winning numerous medals in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and Asian Athletics Championships," Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman, said in a statement.
"She was called Asia’s fastest woman after ruling the 100-meter dash in the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games,” he said, highlighting De Vega's most popular nickname.
"Her death highlights the need for our government and the private sector to support Filipino athletes not only while they are healthy and physically able to compete but in retirement as well," noted the House leader.
"Our prayers and thoughts are with Lydia de Vega’s family at this most difficult time," he further said.
De Vega died on Wednesday night after a bout with breast cancer.