Veteran marathoner Lynette Luces, who stole the hearts of the nation with her strength and determination to fitness, has died at the age of 93.

Lovingly known as “Granny” by most, Ms. Luces emerged as a sports icon in her own right in 1983, after making the decision to run her first marathon at age 55.

Luces was honoured for her achievements with the Hummingbird Medal Gold in 2013.

Among those paying tribute to the icon was Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

“There is a saying that “not all heroes wear capes” and Granny Luces proved that to be true with all her heroic performances as a veteran marathoner. Granny Luces ran her first marathon at the young age of 55 and never looked back.  Her determination, confidence and grit quickly captured the imagination of the nation. By the time she received the Hummingbird Medal Gold in 2013, ‘Granny’ had long cemented her place as a National Treasure beloved by the entire nation,” she said.