Singapore’s sprint sensation, Shanti Pereira, is on a roll. Just a day after clinching a historic silver in the women’s 100m, she’s back in the spotlight, topping the 200m heats at the Asian Games.
Unyielding Spirit
Despite the challenges of a tight schedule and minimal rest, Pereira showcased her resilience and determination. Racing at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium on Sunday, October 1, she clocked an impressive 23.14s, emerging as the fastest qualifier across the three heats. This achievement sets her up for her debut in the 200m Games final, scheduled for Monday at 7.45pm local time.
Reflecting on her performance, Pereira said, “Considering the really little rest I had… I was kind of prepared for that (short turnaround between events) just in case that was to happen.”
Singapore’s Rising Stars
Pereira wasn’t the only Singaporean shining bright. Ang Chen Xiang, the national record holder for men’s 110m hurdles, also secured his spot in the final with a time of 13.90s. He will be competing alongside Pereira on Monday.
Historic Achievements
Pereira’s recent silver medal ended a nearly 50-year medal drought for Singapore in Asian Games track and field. The last time Singapore celebrated such an achievement was in 1974 when Chee Swee Lee won gold in the women’s 400m. Learn about Shanti Pereira Breaks Singapore’s Half-Century Drought with Asian Games Silver in our previous article.
Pereira’s journey this year has been nothing short of remarkable. In May, she made history by becoming the first Singaporean woman to win both the 100m and 200m events at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. This was followed by another sprint double at the Asian Athletics Championships in July. Her prowess was further highlighted in Budapest, Hungary, where she became the first Singaporean to reach the World Championships semi-finals in the 200m, also meeting the qualifying mark for the 2024 Paris Olympics. You may also interested in The Bedbug Crisis in Paris: A Growing Concern Ahead of the Olympics.
In conclusion, Shanti Pereira’s consistent performances and unwavering spirit are a testament to her dedication and the promising future of Singaporean athletics. As fans eagerly await the 200m final, there’s no doubt that Pereira has already made her nation proud.
