Quick Read
- Shanti Pereira won gold in the women’s 100m at the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok with a season’s best 11.36s.
- She successfully defended her title, having won both the 100m and 200m at the 2023 SEA Games.
- Pereira overcame injury setbacks in 2024, missing the Paris Olympics but returned to form in 2025.
- Singapore’s Marc Brian Louis broke the 10-second barrier in the men’s 100m heats, a first for Southeast Asia.
- Gabriel Lee set a new national record for Singapore in the men’s triple jump, earning bronze.
Shanti Pereira: Sprinting Past Adversity to Defend Her SEA Games Crown
On a humid evening in Bangkok’s Suphachalasai National Stadium, Shanti Pereira once again demonstrated why she’s known as Singapore’s sprint queen. With a surge of speed and determination, she crossed the finish line first in the women’s 100m final at the 33rd SEA Games, clocking a season’s best 11.36 seconds—a time she’d been chasing all year. This victory marks her successful defense of the title she claimed two years earlier, solidifying her reputation as Southeast Asia’s fastest woman.
Defending the Title: A Race Against Time and Expectations
Pereira’s journey to this gold was anything but straightforward. After her historic double gold in the 100m and 200m at the 2023 SEA Games—making her the first Singaporean woman to achieve such a feat—expectations soared. The Suphachalasai stadium itself holds special significance for Pereira, as it was the scene of her sprint double at the 2023 Asian Championships. “I love this stadium, everything about it is great,” she remarked with a smile after her win. “When I saw that it was here, I was pretty happy about it.”
This year, her path was marked by both triumph and tribulation. An injury in 2024 hampered her preparation for the Paris Olympics, and her performances lagged behind her personal bests. Yet, Pereira’s persistence never wavered. “There’s always ups and downs. That’s why I always try to focus on gratitude and just being able to compete here … being healthy, just getting the chance to even defend my title,” she told reporters, reflecting on her journey.
SEA Games: A Stage for Comebacks and New Records
The SEA Games have always held a special place in Pereira’s heart—a stage where she feels privileged to compete, regardless of the challenges life throws her way. This year, she not only won her heat with 11.46s but also held her own against fierce competitors like Thailand’s Jirapat Khanota (silver, 11.54s) and Vietnam’s Thi Thu Ha (bronze, 11.58s). Her resilience shone through, especially considering her recent setbacks: missing out on a 200m semi-final spot at the World Championships and settling for two silvers at the Asian Championships in May 2025.
Pereira’s win in Bangkok isn’t just another medal—it’s a testament to her ability to adapt, recover, and rise above adversity. The story doesn’t end here; she’s set to compete in the 200m event next, aiming to repeat her sprint double from 2023.
Singapore’s Athletics: New Milestones and Rising Stars
While Pereira’s achievement took center stage, Singaporean athletics witnessed other historic moments at the SEA Games. In the men’s 100m final, Marc Brian Louis narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth with 10.32s. But earlier, he made history by becoming the first Southeast Asian man to break the 10-second barrier with a blistering 9.94s in the heats—a feat that signals the region’s growing competitiveness.
Meanwhile, in the men’s triple jump, Gabriel Lee set a new national record at 16.09m, earning Singapore its first Games medal in the event since 1971. These results paint a picture of a nation steadily building its legacy in track and field, inspired by trailblazers like Pereira.
Looking Forward: The Road Ahead for Pereira
For Pereira, the SEA Games remain more than just a competition—they’re a recurring chapter in her story of perseverance and pride. The ups and downs of the past two years have shaped her approach, teaching her to value not just victory, but the privilege of competing. As she prepares for the 200m event, fans and fellow athletes alike watch with anticipation, knowing that every race is a chance for her to redefine her limits.
Her reflections after the race—gratitude for health, opportunity, and the thrill of defending her title—offer a lesson that resonates far beyond the track. In a sport where hundredths of a second can separate legends from the rest, Pereira’s resilience and optimism set her apart.
Shanti Pereira’s SEA Games victory is more than a personal triumph; it’s a beacon for athletes facing setbacks, reminding us that true champions are forged in moments of adversity. Her ability to return to form, defend her title, and inspire a new generation of sprinters exemplifies the enduring spirit of sport in Southeast Asia. — Channel NewsAsia