Adamson track star passes away at 18

MANILA, Philippines — Adamson high school track and field star Mark Dave Nicolas passed away on Wednesday, the UAAP announced. 

Nicolas, a rising star in athletics, was just 18. 

“The UAAP family is deeply saddened by the passing of Mark Dave Nicolas of the Adamson Boys’ Athletics Team,” the UAAP said in a Facebook post. 

“We extend our sincerest condolences to his bereaved family, friends, and teammates. Rest in peace, Mark,” it added. 

Nicolas would have turned 19 in July. 

The Adamson Office for Athletic Development, as well as the Adamson community, mourned the passing of Nicolas. 

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen,” the school posted on its Facebook page.

Last year, Nicolas, representing Ilocos Norte, set a new national record in the 800 meter dash during the Palarong Pambansa 2025, where he clocked in at one minute and 53.20 seconds.

The previous record was at 1:55.7, set in 2009. 

Nicolas also competed in the UAAP Season 88 Athletics Championships in November last year, as well as the PATAFA Weekly Relay Series. 

During the 2025 ASEAN School Games, he finished with a silver medal. 

The Department of Education also offered condolences to the family of Nicolas. 

“Isang batang atletang Ilokano na hinubog ng tapang at determinasyon, iniangat ni Mark Dave ang dangal ng bansa — mula sa kanyang record-breaking run sa Palarong Pambansa 2025 hanggang sa dalawang silver medal na kanyang naiuwi sa 14th ASEAN Schools Games,” it said.

“Patuloy na mabubuhay ang kanyang pangarap sa bawat kabataang kanyang binigyang-inspirasyon. Higit pa sa mga medalya, si Mark Dave ay sagisag ng sipag, pag-asa, at pananalig sa pangarap. Rest in peace, Mark Dave.”