Singapore’s sprint star, Shanti Pereira, will race in the women’s 100m at the Paris Olympics after earning her spot through her world ranking. Pereira, who will also serve as one of Singapore’s flag bearers alongside sailor Ryan Lo, had previously qualified for the 200m by meeting the Olympic entry standard. The Asian Games gold medalist is currently ranked 42nd in the 100m, with the top 56 qualifying.
Athletes can qualify for the Games through entry standards or world rankings. The entry standard for the women’s 100m is 11.07 seconds, while Pereira’s national record is 11.20 seconds. There are also universality spots available from World Athletics (WA), and Singaporean sprinter Marc Brian Louis has been granted one of these spots to compete at the Games.
Pereira has been training in Europe over the past few months in preparation for Paris, following an injury that affected her plans to participate in the Diamond League and other events.
2023 has been a milestone year for Pereira. At the Hangzhou Asian Games, she won gold in the women’s 200m, marking Singapore’s first athletics gold medal since 1974. She also took silver in the 100m, ending the nation’s nearly 50-year wait for a track and field medal at the Asian Games.
Pereira completed a sprint double at the Asian Athletics Championships in July and became the first Singaporean woman to win both the 100m and 200m at the SEA Games in May. Last August, she made history as the first Singaporean to advance to the World Championships semi-finals in the 200m.
Shanti Pereira’s qualification for the 100m at the Paris Olympics underscores her remarkable journey and exceptional talent. Having overcome challenges and achieved significant milestones in 2023, including historic victories at the Asian Games and SEA Games, Pereira’s participation in Paris is a testament to her dedication and skill. As she lines up for the 100m, the Singaporean sprinter will not only be competing for Olympic glory but also representing a new era of excellence in Singaporean athletics.
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