From the outside, it’s easy to see only the medals, the records, and the historic moments. But for Veronica Shanti Pereira, Singapore’s sprint queen, the path to becoming a national icon started long before podiums. Rather, it started on stadium steps she climbed as a child.
“I chose this sport because I was exposed to it really young,” she shared. “My sister was in athletics, so growing up, I’d follow her to different stadiums, watch her compete, and I think that really shaped my love for the sport.”
What began as a sibling-influenced curiosity quickly grew into something more. By secondary school, Shanti realised sprinting wasn’t just a childhood hobby. It was something she wanted to hold on to for as long as possible.
“There wasn’t really one single moment: just different phases,” she reflected. “But choosing to go full-time? That was the real ‘aha’. I remember thinking, ‘I won’t get to do this forever.' So while I still can, I want to give it everything.”
Shanti doesn’t hesitate when asked what fuels her.
“I’ve grown into this sport so much. It’s made me who I am today,” she said. “I know there’s a deadline somewhere down the road, but right now, I can’t imagine my life without it. Running makes me happy, so I keep going.”
Photo Credit: SNOC / Kong Chong Yew
The Moments That Changed Everything
For an athlete whose career has been filled with barrier-breaking races, two stand out above the rest.
Clinching gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games with a timing of 23.02 seconds was a milestone even she needed time to process, but what truly stunned her was the day she dipped under 23 seconds in the 200m for the first time, clocking 22.89 seconds during the Australian Open Track and Field Championships in Brisbane in 2023.
“I was in shock for a few days,” she laughed softly. “It meant so much because suddenly, I was being compared alongside the best in the world.”
Those results didn’t just prove her capability - they affirmed her purpose.
Photo Credit: SportSG / Andy Chua
Flying the Flag
Representing Singapore on the international stage still feels surreal to her.
“It’s always such a big honour. There aren’t really words to describe it, it’s just an amazing feeling,” she said.
But the most meaningful moments often happen after the crowd leaves.
“When the race is over and the stadium is empty, that’s when gratitude hits,” she explained. “It’s the time my coach and I reflect on everything it took to get there.”
Win or lose, the feeling is the same: accomplishment. Pride. Another goal checked off. And sometimes a small, quiet sense of loss, knowing a chapter is closed, and a new one awaits.
Running on Home Ground
Shanti has raced all over the world, but nothing compares to home.
She still remembers the electrifying atmosphere of SEA Games 2015 in Singapore, when she competed in front of a roaring Singapore crowd.
“Having my whole family there… that’s something I’ll always treasure,” she said. “Running on home ground is just different.”
Photo Credit: SNOC / Kong Chong Yew
The Messages That Keep Her Going
Among the thousands of cheers and congratulations she receives, the most precious ones come from the youngest fans.
“Little notes from kids saying they’re inspired by me - that always gets me,” she smiled. “Knowing that my journey has encouraged people really keeps me going.”
So how can Singaporeans continue supporting national athletes?
“Most of our competitions are overseas, so being there would be an added plus,” she admitted. “But honestly, online messages help. Any little thing does.”
And when they do get the chance to walk out to a home crowd? “That energy is exhilarating. We really feel it.”
Lessons from the Track
Athletics has been Shanti’s classroom for life.
“It’s taught me a lot about resilience,” she said. “Running, like life, has so many ups and downs. Sometimes things overwhelm you, make you think you can’t do it or can’t bounce back.”
“But the sport taught me I’m strong. That I have what it takes to overcome and become a better person.”
From a child watching her sister compete, to a national athlete carrying the hopes of a nation, Shanti Pereira’s journey continues to inspire - built on grit, gratitude, and an unshakeable love for the sport.
And for now? She’s still running, still chasing, still dreaming. Because as she says: “I can’t imagine my life without this.”
Show your support for Team Singapore
Catch Shanti Pereira and the rest of Team Singapore flying the nation's flag high during the 2025 SEA Games on MeWatch from 9 December to 20 December 2025!
