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VP Sara mourns Lydia de Vega's death, cites sprint queen's legacy

Philippines | National

VP Sara mourns Lydia de Vega's death, cites sprint queen's legacy

By Raymund Antonio

The office of Vice President Sara Duterte on Sunday, Aug. 14, highlighted the legacy of Philippine sports legend Lydia de Vega, who died of cancer at the age of 57.

Lydia de Vega (Photo from Steph Mercado de Koenigswarter via Facebook)

Duterte mourned the death of De Vega, once regarded as Asia’s fastest woman, and condoled with her family.

“We share the grief you feel over the demise of Ms. de Vega, and may you find comfort from a nation that mourns with you,” Vice Presidential spokesman Reynold Munsayac said in a statement.

READ: Lydia de Vega, Asia’s sprint queen in 1980s, passes away

He noted the honor that De Vega brought to the country and she inspired young Filipino athletes.

“Ms. de Vega has inspired and will continue to inspire young Filipinos to pursue their dreams in sports,” Munsayac said.

“She was a shining example of a Filipino who truly loved her country as she put the Philippines on the map of sports worldwide,” Duterte’s spokesman added.

READ: Lady solon mulls ways to support PH Olympians after Lydia de Vega’s death

De Vega is among the country’s most decorated athletes, winning numerous gold medals in the Asian Games, Asian Athletics Championship and the Southeast Asian Games from the 1980s to the 1990s.

Munsayac also said De Vega’s valuable contribution to the nation would not be forgotten.

“Her legacy will always be cherished,” the spokesman said.

Related Tags

cancer sprint queen of asia PH sports legend OVP VP Sara Duterte Lydia De Vega

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