Shanti Pereira Retains 100m Gold and Eyes Historic Double-Double at SEA Games 2025

Shanti Pereira Starts Her SEA Games 2025 Campaign With Gold

In the humid Bangkok air, Singapore’s Shanti Pereira lined up on the track of the Suphachalasai National Stadium, carrying not just the weight of her nation’s hopes, but the pressure of her own remarkable legacy. On December 11, 2025, the 29-year-old sprint queen defended her women’s 100m gold at the SEA Games, clocking 11.36 seconds—a time that not only cemented her dominance but also set the stage for her pursuit of a historic double-double.

Pereira’s journey to this moment was anything but smooth. Just fifteen months prior, she had faced a fibula injury that threatened her career and tested her resolve. Yet, as she crossed the finish line ahead of Thailand’s Khanonta Jirapat (11.54) and Vietnam’s Ha Thi Thu (11.58), it was clear that resilience had once again triumphed over adversity. She admitted feeling less than her best during practice the previous day, but her coach, Luis Cunha, offered simple advice: “You just need to come in first.” That clarity of purpose proved decisive.

Chasing History: The Double-Double Dream

For Shanti Pereira, the SEA Games have become a stage for rewriting records. Back in Cambodia in 2023, she made history by becoming the first Singaporean to win both the 100m and 200m golds at the Games. Now, two years later, the prospect of repeating that feat in Bangkok looms large. The term “double-double” refers to winning both sprint titles at consecutive SEA Games—a rare achievement, and one that would further elevate her status in regional athletics.

Her approach is pragmatic, almost zen-like. “I didn’t think about the time too much,” Pereira reflected after her win. “Of course, I wanted to do a good one, but it was really just about showing up and trying to attain my goal of defending the title no matter the timing.” That mindset—focusing on the process, not the pressure—seems to be her secret weapon.

The Suphachalasai National Stadium itself has become a personal talisman for Pereira. The venue, once the site of royal residence, witnessed her Asian Athletics Championships double—a memory that fuels her confidence. “There are good memories here. So it helped me for sure… (it’s a) confidence booster,” she said. With the 200m race scheduled for December 13 and the women’s 4x100m relay on December 15, the stadium may yet see more of her triumphs.

The Road to Victory: Preparation, Challenges, and Rivalry

Pereira’s gold in the 100m did not come easily. She signaled her intent early in the heats, clocking a qualifying time of 11.46 seconds to top the 12-strong field. Just two hours later, she overcame a slow start in the final, powering through for a comfortable victory and her season’s best time. The strategy was clear: focus on execution, tune out distractions, and lean on the hard-earned wisdom of her coach.

Her rivals, meanwhile, were not to be underestimated. The home crowd roared for Khanonta Jirapat, but Pereira’s performance silenced any doubts. For the Singaporean, every race is a privilege—a chance to prove herself anew. “No matter where I am in my life, getting to compete here is always a privilege, and it means so much. I was just so excited to be back already and even better now that I got to defend my title.”

Singapore’s Mixed Fortunes: Team Highlights Beyond the Track

While Pereira celebrated her individual gold, Singapore’s athletics squad faced its own ups and downs. Marc Louis, who had taken silver in the men’s 100m in 2023, finished fourth this year with a time of 10.32 seconds—missing out on the podium as Thailand’s Puripol Boonson stormed to gold in 10 seconds flat. Louis was gracious in defeat: “Honestly, this year was even tougher than the previous SEA Games. I did my best, as good as I can, and I came in fourth. It’s a tough competition and the rest of them did very well, and I’m very happy for them.”

Elsewhere, Gabriel Lee broke a 16-year-old national record in the men’s triple jump, leaping 16.09m to clinch bronze—Singapore’s first medal in the event since 1971. The 22-year-old debutant was jubilant: “I feel very happy with it being my first SEA Games, very happy that I was able to medal. I’ve been wanting to break this record for a long time and the best place to do it is at the SEA Games.” Lee’s ambitions are clear: he hopes to qualify for other major Games and bring home more medals.

The second day of competition saw Team Singapore take home four gold, six silver, and seven bronze medals in swimming, basketball, and canoeing. Their total medal haul now stands at 9 gold, 10 silver, and 13 bronze—an impressive tally, but one that reflects both the depth and the evolving challenges of the region’s sporting landscape.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Pereira and Singapore Athletics?

As Shanti Pereira prepares for her next race—the 200m sprint—her focus remains unwavering. The lessons of injury, pressure, and comeback have shaped her approach, and the promise of history beckons. For Singapore athletics, her story is not just about medals, but about the enduring spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence.

Pereira’s impact extends beyond the track. She has become a symbol of resilience and hope for younger athletes, a reminder that setbacks are not endpoints but stepping stones. As she lines up for her next event, the question hangs in the air: can she achieve the elusive double-double, and what will it mean for Singaporean sport?

Shanti Pereira’s pursuit of the double-double at the SEA Games 2025 is more than a personal ambition—it is a testament to perseverance, strategic focus, and national pride. Her story, as reported by The Straits Times, captures the intricate balance between individual excellence and team spirit that defines elite sport. If she succeeds, it will mark a new chapter not just in her career, but in the history of Singaporean athletics.