Rafael Poliquit Jr., one of the country’s top bets in long-distance running, passed away yesterday due to complications from an illness.
Poliquit, 30, was in a coma while undergoing treatment at the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon, according to Philippine Athletic Track and Field Association president Philip Ella Juico.
He was said to be suffering from complications caused subdural empyema at the time of his death.
Last December, Poliquit won his biggest race ever when he ruled the men’s side of the 42nd Milo-National Marathon in Laoag City, alongside Mary Joy Tabal in the women’s side.
He was supposed to be the country’s bet in men’s division of the marathon in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Poliquit got pointers from two-time SEA Games champion Soh Rui Yong, while preparing for the Milo meet,
It was Poliquit’s third Milo national crown last year when he clocked his personal best of two hours, 29 minutes, and 47 seconds.