Adamson track athlete Mark Dave Nicolas dies at 18; UAAP mourns his passing

• Mark Dave Nicolas, an 18-year-old standout for the Adamson University boys’ athletics team, recently passed away, leading to a widespread outpouring of grief across the local sports community
• The UAAP issued an official statement honoring his character and influence while offering deep sympathies to his family and teammates
• He was celebrated as a rising star who made history by setting a new 800-meter record at the Palarong Pambansa and winning a silver medal for the Philippines at the ASEAN School Games
• Colleagues and supporters now remember him as both a formidable middle-distance runner and a significant source of inspiration for young Filipino athletes

Mark Dave Nicolas of the Adamson University boys’ athletics team has passed away at the age of 18, leaving the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the local sports community mourning the loss of one of the country’s promising young tracksters.

Known for his speed and determination on the track, Mark Dave was considered a rising star in high school athletics. His passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from fellow athletes, schools, and sports organizations.

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In a statement released on Wednesday, the UAAP expressed sadness over the young athlete’s death.

“The UAAP family is deeply saddened by the passing of Mark Dave Nicolas of the Adamson Boy's Athletics Team.”

The collegiate league also extended its sympathies to those mourning his loss, recognizing the impact he had on the people around him during his time as a student-athlete.

“We extend our sincerest condolences to his bereaved family, friends, and teammates.”

The statement concluded with a brief message honoring the late trackster.

“Rest in peace, Mark,” the UAAP said in its post.

Before his passing, Mark Dave had already built an impressive résumé in athletics. The Ilocos Norte standout made headlines during last year’s Palarong Pambansa after setting a new record in the boys’ 800-meter run with a time of 1:53.20, establishing a new standard in the competition.

Apart from his success in local tournaments, Mark Dave also represented the Philippines internationally. He secured a silver medal during the 14th ASEAN School Games in Brunei, further solidifying his reputation as one of the nation’s most promising middle-distance runners.

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As tributes continue to pour in online, many in the sports community are remembering him not only for his achievements on the track but also for the inspiration he gave to fellow athletes and supporters of Philippine sports.

In another heartbreaking development in the sports community, former Olympian Edgardo Roque has died at 88, according to reports from Manila Bulletin and Bombo Radyo. The former Jose Rizal University standout played for teams such as Ysmael Steel, YCO Painters, and Mariwasa in the MICAA. He represented the Philippines in the 1960 Rome Olympics and was part of the national team that won gold in the 1962 Asian Games and the 1967 FIBA Asia Championship.

Earlier, former volleyball player Cindy Imbo, who previously suited up for Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League, has passed away at the age of 31 after battling cancer. Her death was confirmed by the Coast Guard Special Service Office of the Philippine Coast Guard, where she served as a Seawoman Second Class. The unit expressed deep sorrow over her passing and honored her years of service and dedication. Aside from her work in uniform, she was also known for her stint as an outside hitter in Philippine volleyball.

Source: KAMI.com.gh