Talent, dedication and a good foundation key to Shanti Pereira's success, say former Singapore track stars

SINGAPORE: Sprinter Shanti Pereira's recent record-breaking exploits are a testament to her talent, but other factors such as her strong foundation in the sport and training full-time have been key, Singapore's former track stars said.

The 26-year-old has rewritten her 100m national mark thrice this year and her 200m national mark twice.

Most recently last Sunday (Apr 4), she set her third national record in as many days as she clocked 22.89s in the women’s 200m heats at the Australian Track and Field Open in Brisbane.

Pereira’s new record time would have been enough for her to win gold at the last five editions of the Asian Games.

Former national sprinter UK Shyam described Pereira's achievements as a "landmark achievement" for Singapore sprinting.

Based on World Athletics' records, Pereira's 22.89s put her as the 18th fastest worldwide in 2023 and was the second-fastest time for an Asian woman in 2022.

"I cannot overstate the magnitude of what she has done," said Shyam, who holds the men's 100m national record of 10.37s, which he clocked twice in 2001.

This sentiment was echoed by former national athlete Dipna Lim-Prasad. "I feel honestly quite mind-blown (by what she has achieved) that I am still digesting it," she told CNA. 

What has been impressive is Pereira's consistency, said Lim-Prasad.

"That not just speaks of physical fitness, but the fact that her mental strength is strong enough, and she has experience to manage that excitement, and maybe even nerves.

"Regardless of the wind conditions, headwind, tailwind, no matter what – she’s been great."

Former Singapore sprinter Glory Barnabas described Pereira's performances as "amazing" and inspirational to the next generation of sprinters.

"It’s good for Singapore athletics,