CYCLING ICON CORNELIO A. PADILLA JR., 67
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 09 Dec 2013
Back-to-back Tour of Luzon cycling marathon champion Cornelio Agaid Padilla Jr. died of heart failure at St. Luke?s Global City Medical Center on Sunday (December 8). He was 67.
Padilla carved a name at the pinnacle of national sports in the 1960?s when he won the grueling Tour of Luzon cycling championship twice in a row, in 1966 and 1967.
His popularity soared during the time that his victories were widely credited to have placed cycling in the national sports consciousness.
In 1966, Padilla topped the 15-lap TOL, clocking 60.45.31 in 1,999.82 kilometers of bicycle race.
The following year, Padilla again emerged on top after eight laps of cycling. He clocked 70.34:57 for the 1,634-kilometer competition.
Known as Paddy to friends and family, Padilla retired early from the sport in order to devote his time to his college studies. His winnings helped him finish a law degree at the Far Eastern University.
As a lawyer, Padilla became a member of the the legal department of Cacho Printing press before his stint at the National Book Store as personnel manager and house lawyer. He worked his way into the corporate ladder to become one of the NBS's top executives, handling the firm?s vast human resources department.
Padilla also spent much time to humanitarian service by making himself active in Rotary International activities. He was charter member of the Rotary Club of Quirino-Quezon City under RI District 3780, serving as its president from 1994-95.
?He excelled in sports in the same manner he won the hearts of many Rotarians for his unstinting efforts to serve above self,? said former Assistant Governor Fol Rana, former RCQQC president.
The late cycling icon remained loyal to cycling until a heart attack struck while negotiating steep Antipolo mountains on his racer bicycle some 15 years ago.
He survived but decided to give up cycling as part of his exercise regimen. Padilla turned to bowling to become one of the top caliber bowlers of Rotary.
Manila-born Padilla is survived by wife, labor attach? to US Luzviminda Gumatay-Padilla; and children, Jennifer, May, Nathalie and Eli.
His remains lie in state at the Funeraria Paz on Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. Interment will be announced later. -Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024