By: Nicole Parallag
Adamson University and Philippine athletics are mourning the passing of rising junior track athlete Mark Dave Nicolas.
Nicolas (July 7, 2007 – April 29, 2026) passed away on Wednesday. The cause of death was not disclosed.
He was 18 years old.
A pride of the Ilocos Region, Nicolas quickly emerged as one of the country’s most promising young track prospects.
He first drew national attention after winning the boys’ 800m event at the Palarong Pambansa 2025 in Ilocos Sur, where he clocked an impressive 1:53.20.
“Hindi ko inaasahan na ganun ang mangyayari sa kanya,” shared Adamson head coach Ronald Corot.
“Daming pangarap ni Dave, pangarap niya magtatapos sa pag-aaral at maglaro bilang national team para lumaban sa ibang bansa.”
Nicolas later took his talents to the UAAP, representing the Adamson Soaring Falcons in Season 88 in his first campaign at the New Clark City Athletic Stadium.
He topped the boys’ 800m heats with a time of 1:53.28 to qualify for the finals, where he eventually finished fifth with a time of 1:56.66.
His rise extended beyond the UAAP stage. In 2025, Nicolas represented the Philippines in the 14th ASEAN School Games in Brunei, where he captured the silver medal in the boys’ 800m event.
“Sobrang bait na bata si Dave, sobrang magalang at sobrang masunurin na athlete. Hindi pa namin tanggap na wala na siya,” Corot said.
