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:
T-Wolves Mangle Denver 115-70, Force Game Seven in West Semis
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 17 May 2024Press Conference Notes: Emanuel Navarrete Motivated to Claim Four-Division World Title Glory in San Diego
Fri, 17 May 2024DON KING PROMOTIONS: “FISTS OF FURY” PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 17 May 2024Kevin Brown vs Idalberto Umara Headlines Boxlab Promotions Card in Orlando, FL, May 31
Fri, 17 May 2024Press Conference: Fury & Usyk Set Serious Tone Two Days From Undisputed Showdown
Fri, 17 May 2024Zanfer Wins Purse Bid for Apolinario-Ayala IBF Fight
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 17 May 2024Noynay loses to Sasaki by TKO in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 May 2024Boston Returns to East Finals; Dallas A Win Away for the West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 16 May 2024Arca Continues to Pursue Coveted IM Norm in Vietnam Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 May 2024Martin joins Pinoy invasion
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 16 May 2024Media Workout: Fury & Usyk T-3 Days From Making Heavyweight History
Thu, 16 May 2024ESPN and Top Rank Present DAZN on ESPN+ PPV Event: Undisputed Heavyweight Title Showdown Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk
Thu, 16 May 2024FIERRO AND RIVERA LAND TITLE FIGHTS IN PUERTO RICO
Thu, 16 May 2024Tayden Beltran vs Cesar Villarraga Headlines CBN Promotions June 22 Show
Thu, 16 May 2024Puerto Rican National Champion Carlos De León Castro Signs with Boxlab Promotions
Thu, 16 May 2024