‘Embracing the pressure’: Singapore’s Shanti Pereira confident and ready for Asian Games, says coach

In the 200m, Pereira’s 22.78s is the best time in Asia this year, with Japan’s Abigeirufuka Ido clocking 22.81s last month, and Chen timing 22.84s. 

But it is not all about the numbers and anything can happen, said Cunha. He pointed out how Pereira recently beat Dominican Republic’s Liranyi Alonso, a sprinter who has a faster personal best than her.

“Nothing is guaranteed,” said Cunha, who has worked with the sprinter since 2020.

“HUNGRY TO EARN MORE”

2023 was a breakthrough year for Pereira. She became the first Singaporean woman to win both the 100m and 200m events at the same edition of the SEA Games; and she followed that up with a sprint double at the Asian Athletics Championships in July.

While she entered the Asian Games that year in good form, there was less weight on her shoulders. No Singaporean had won an athletics gold since 1974, and expectations were different.

“It’s easier for an athlete to be an underdog, and in 2023 she was the underdog,” said Cunha.

In Hangzhou, Pereira delivered, storming to victory in the 200m and clinching silver in the 100m.