18-year-old trackster and Palaro record holder dies

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Mark Dave Nicolas' death comes just less than a year since his record-breaking feat in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, which his home province Ilocos Norte hosted

MANILA, Philippines – Teen trackster Mark Dave Nicolas arrived at life’s finish line far too soon.

Only 18 years old, Nicolas — a pride of Ilocos Norte and a standout of the Adamson boys’ athletics team — died on Wednesday, April 29. The cause of death has yet to be disclosed.

Nicolas’ death came just less than a year since his record-breaking feat in the secondary boys’ 800m when his home province hosted the 2025 Palarong Pambansa.

“We remember a champion on the track, and a life full of promise, a young athlete who ran boldly toward greatness. His achievement during Palarong Pambansa 2025 will remain a source of pride for the province he represented so well,” read a statement posted on Ilocos Norte’s Palaro Facebook page.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, loved ones, coaches, and teammates. May you find comfort in the legacy he left behind.”

Nicolas emerged as one of only 13 gold medalists for the Ilocos Region in the previous Palaro as he topped the secondary boys’ 800m event with a time of 1 minute and 53.20 seconds.

He broke the long-standing Palaro record of 1:55.69 set by Calabarzon’s Salvador Garin Jr. in 2009.

Also a silver medalist in the 2025 ASEAN Schools Games in Brunei, Nicolas took his talents to the UAAP and landed at Adamson, helping the school finish second overall in the Season 88 boys’ athletics championships in November at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

“The UAAP family is deeply saddened by the passing of Mark Dave Nicolas of the Adamson boys’ athletics team,” the UAAP said.

Nicolas is well-loved by his family, friends, and peers, his Facebook account flooded by tributes. – Rappler.com