Pumanaw kahapon si de Vega matapos ang apat na taon na pakikipaglaban sa 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,” ani Pangulo.
Tinagurian si de Vega na fastest woman sa buong Asya matapos manalo sa mga international athletics competition noong dekada ’80.
Nasungkit din ni de Vega ang gintong medalya noong 1982 at 1986 sa Asian Games at namayagpag sa Asian Athletics Championships noong 1983 at 1987.
Naging nine-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist si de Vega sa kanyang paboritong event na 100-meter dash.
“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,” sabi pa ng Punong Ehekutibo.
Dalawang beses rin na nagging Olympian si de Vega noong 1984 sa Los Angeles at Seoul Olympics noong 1988.