Elma Muros grieves death of fellow athletics queen Lydia De Vega

Elma Muros-Posadas could not contain her grief after her fellow athletics legend Lydia De Vega passed away on Wednesday after a long battle with breast cancer.

In Saleema Refran's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, Elma wept openly as she shared that Lydia kept her condition secret from her.

The late Asia's Sprint Queen, however, expressed excitement about coming home to join Elma at the Philippine Sports Institute. Lydia had been coaching in Singapore for several years.

"Sabi ko, 'Yes sa wakas Diay, at least masayang-masaya na naman ako dahil dalawa tayong reyna sa larangan ng palakasan. Malaking bagay ito na nakikita tayong dalawa na nagsasama," Elma said.

With Lydia's passing, however, Elma will have to carry the torch for the both of them.

"Eh paano nga ito kasi nag-iisa na ako, nag-iisa ako, banggitin si Lydia, si Elma ako, so ang katayuan ko nagiging dalawa Lydia, Elma ako eh," she said, becoming emotional.

"Kaya masakit din para sa akin. Hindi ko naman pinagkakaila na nakakabit ako palagi sa pangalan ni Lydia De Vega eh," she added.

Lydia and Elma are household names for Philippine athletics as they ruled  their disciplines in track and field in the 80s and 90s. Lydia was a decorated sprinter, while Elma is an accomplished long jumper.

Lydia, 57, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. She quietly fought the disease for four years until her daughter, former volleyball player Paneng Mercado, recently asked the public for support with her worsening condition

Other Filipino sports legends paid tribute to Lydia and the legacy she left for the country.

Bowling champion Paeng Nepomuceno took to Facebook to salute Lydia, who was with him during the opening ceremonies of 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

"Sad day for Philippine Sports. Rest in peace Lydia de Vega. May God's eternal light shine upon you. Condolences and prayers to the family," he wrote.

Bemedaled swimmer Eric Buhain, who is now a congressman of Batangas, also penned a heartfelt message saying goodbye to Lydia.

"Ang aming pamilya at ang Unang Distrito ng Batangas ay nakikiramay at nag-aalay ng panalangin sa iyong paglisan. Isang mahigpit na yakap sa lahat ng mga pamilyang naiwan," Buhain said.

"Maraming salamat sa mga alaala at karangalan na iyong binigay sa Bansang Pilipinas. You fought a good fight."

—MGP, GMA News