Five things to know about Singapore's sprint queen Shanti Pereira

HANGZHOU, China: On Monday (Oct 2), Singapore sprinter Shanti Pereira won a historic gold in the 200m final at the Asian Games, her second medal in Hangzhou.

Last Saturday, the 27-year-old ended Singapore's nearly 50-year wait for a track and field medal at the Asian Games, after she clinched silver in the women's 100m. She will next compete in the 4x100m relay final on Tuesday.

Here's what you should know about Singapore's sprint queen:

1. She comes from a sporty family

Pereira’s parents Clarence and Jeet used to run during their time in school as did her older brother Anand.

Pereira’s older sister Valerie, a former national sprinter, was a particularly big influence on her.

In previous interviews, the 27-year-old recalled how she supported Valerie at track meets and was eventually inspired to take up the sport.

She followed in her sister’s footsteps to enrol in Singapore Sports School and the rest is history.

2. Her big breakthrough in 2015

Already a rising star, Pereira announced herself to the nation at the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore.

She won gold in the 200m event, clocking a personal best and setting a new national record. The win also ended a 42-year gold medal drought for Singapore in a Games sprint event.

The then 18-year-old’s time of 23.60s was a new national record, eclipsing the mark of 23.82s she set in the heats of the event.

She also clinched a bronze medal in the 100m.

“I was just excited to be there, competing in front of a home crowd,” Pereira told CNA previously.

But her 200m win in 2015 came with expectations.

“It created a lot of pressure and I feel like I didn't have the experience to cope with it yet,” Pereira said.

3. She battled self-doubt, pressure and critics

The next edition of the Games in 2017 ended