Singapore’s sprint queen dominates again as teammates deliver historic records and breakthroughs.
Shanti Pereira’s blistering victory in Bangkok has reignited Singapore’s momentum at the 33rd SEA Games, marking a triumphant return for the nation’s sprint icon and setting the tone for a series of record-breaking performances by Team Singapore.
Pereira Extends Her Reign in the 100m
Singapore’s sprint queen Shanti Pereira retained her 100m gold medal on December 11 at the Suphachalasai National Stadium in Bangkok, clocking a season’s best of 11.36 seconds. Thailand’s Khanonta Jirapat finished second in 11.54 seconds, while Vietnam’s Ha Thi Thu took bronze with 11.58 seconds. The win carried extra weight for Pereira after she admitted not feeling her best during practice the day before.
A Comeback Defined by Resilience
Her 2025 victory comes after an injury-stricken 2024 season that derailed preparations for the Paris Olympics. The 29-year-old rebounded with two silvers at the Asian Championships earlier this year, building toward her SEA Games return. Pereira described the race as deeply meaningful, emphasizing gratitude and the privilege of competing at a venue that holds some of her career’s brightest memories.
Bangkok Stadium Continues to Inspire
Suphachalasai Stadium has long been a lucky venue for Pereira. It was where she clinched a historic 100m-200m sprint double at the 2023 Asian Championships. Returning to the same stadium, she powered through her heats with a strong 11.46 seconds before dominating the final. The setting served as a confidence booster as she now chases another double-double, with her 200m race scheduled for December 13.
Teammates Deliver Record-Breaking Performances
Beyond Pereira’s golden moment, Team Singapore celebrated several breakthroughs. In the men’s 100m final, Marc Brian Louis finished fourth with 10.32 seconds. Earlier that evening, the 19-year-old made regional history by becoming the first Southeast Asian man to dip below 10 seconds, recording 9.94 seconds in the heats.
Historic Triple Jump Achievement
In another milestone, 22-year-old Gabriel Lee shattered Singapore’s long-standing triple jump record with a leap of 16.09 meters. His bronze medal marks the nation’s first in the event since 1971. Lee expressed pride at breaking a 16-year-old national record, calling the Games the perfect stage to push his limits and envision bigger ambitions.
Singapore’s Medal Surge
Across swimming, basketball, canoeing, and athletics, Singapore closed the second day of the Thailand SEA Games with a total haul of 9 gold, 10 silver, and 13 bronze medals. The strong showing underscores the country’s expanding depth in multiple disciplines.
Looking Ahead to More Milestones
For Pereira, the quest continues as she prepares for the 200m race and the 4x100m relay. Her performance in Bangkok not only reinforces her dominance but also symbolizes the persistence and ambition driving Singapore’s athletes across the region.
Singapore’s standout performances in Bangkok highlight a powerful resurgence in regional athletics, inspiring both Indonesian and Singaporean sports communities. From Pereira’s roaring comeback to breakthrough achievements across the team, the 33rd SEA Games reflects a growing competitive spirit that strengthens Southeast Asia’s sporting landscape.
Sources: Channel News Asia (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Shanti Pereira, SEA Games 2025, Singapore Athletics, Bangkok Stadium, Sprint Victory
