Filipino Olympian Yan Lariba passes away

Ian “Yani” Lariba (1994-2018)
Photo via www.ittf.com

MANILA, Philippines – Ian “Yanyan” Lariba, who represented the Philippines in the table tennis competition of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, died late Sunday after a long battle with leukemia. She was 23.

The Philippine Sports Commission broke the news of Lariba’s passing in its official Twitter account.

Lariba was diagnosed with leukemia in May 2016, a few months after her Olympic stint. A standout of the De La Salle University table tennis squad, she led the Green Archers to the UAAP title in Season 77. 

Over the course of her UAAP career, Lariba has been named MVP thrice (Seasons 75, 77 and 78) and was the recipient of the Athlete of the Year award in Seasons 77 and 78.

News of Lariba’s health condition prompted an outpour of moral and financial support both from the local and international sports communities

Now her death has sent shockwaves among Filipino fans, many of whom took to social media to offer their condolences.

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