Singapore’s athletes delivered a standout performance at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, with historic victories across athletics, swimming, and sailing, led by sprint queen Shanti Pereira, a dominant swimming squad and rising stars bringing home early momentum for the nation’s sporting future.
At the Supachalasai National Stadium, Singapore’s athletics team – its largest ever away contingent of 39, including 23 debutants – achieved three golds, matching their best results from previous Games and setting new national benchmarks.
Shanti Pereira captured the spotlight by completing a rare 100m-200m double at consecutive SEA Games, solidifying her status as one of the region’s fastest and most consistent performers.
Shanti’s victory in both sprints inspired fans and teammates alike, and showcased her unmatched blend of speed, power, and poise under pressure.
Alongside Shanti, Calvin Quek ended a 60-year gold drought for Singapore in the men’s 400m hurdles, adding a historic title to the athletics roll of honour.
The trio of gold medals – Singapore’s best in the event since 2023 – reflected the growth of the national programme and emerging depth across disciplines, reported The Straits Times.
Singapore also produced three national records and podium breakthroughs, including silver for Marc Louis in the men’s 200m – the first medal in that event since 1993 – and a high jump silver for Kampton Kam, the nation’s first in 30 years.
Ang Chen Xiang added a silver in the 110m hurdles, while field event breakthroughs included a long jump bronze for Andrew Medina, Singapore’s first since 1983, and a triple jump bronze from Gabriel Lee, ending a 54-year gap since the country last medalled there in 1971.
Singapore Athletics president Lien Choong Luen praised the team’s determination, saying, “I’m very proud but, on their behalf, I am greedy for more.”
With the 2027 SEA Games and major multi-sport events such as the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games on the horizon, Lien emphasised the momentum gained in Bangkok and the need to build on it in training and competition into 2026 and beyond.
Deputy president Marinda Teo highlighted the success of the national jumps programme, launched in 2023, and the federation’s plans to work closely with schools to deepen talent pathways in field events.
At the SAT Swimming Pool, Singapore’s swimmers upheld their regional supremacy with an incredible 19 gold medals, finishing atop the pool medal table for the 11th straight SEA Games.
The squad added eight silvers and seven bronzes, and recorded five national, 10 meet records, and 17 personal bests.
Head coach Gary Tan acknowledged a “transition” phase for the team, noting a slow start but celebrating the rise of new stars.
Letitia Sim claimed five golds, while Gan Ching Hwee and Mikkel Lee each won three individual titles. Tan highlighted rising talents such as Chan Chun Ho and 15-year-old Russel Pang, who set national records in the 50m breaststroke and 1,500m freestyle, signalling depth for future Games.
Veterans such as Teong Tzen Wei, Quah Ting Wen, and Quah Zheng Wen responded strongly after early setbacks, showcasing resilience that bodes well for the future.
Tan stressed the importance of continued system development with support from Sport Singapore and the Singapore National Olympic Council to maintain performance levels ahead of 2027.
Singapore’s sailing contingent also impressed. Maximilian Maeder dominated the Games’ first-ever kitefoiling competition, winning all 12 races and clinching gold with a day to spare. Maeder, an Olympic bronze medallist, said the SEA Games title held special pride.
Other sailing golds included victories from Ryan Lo (men’s ILCA 7), teen courage from 15-year-old Ethan Chia in boys’ optimist, and Jania Ang in women’s ILCA 6.
Singapore’s consistency was further underlined with silvers and bronzes across other sailing classes, confirming strength in coastal and tactical competitions.
Overall, Singapore’s performances in athletics, swimming, and sailing reflect a blend of experience and emerging talent. From Shanti’s sprint dominance to Maeder’s kitefoil mastery and a deepening pool of track and field medal contenders, the nation’s athletes have laid strong groundwork for continued success on regional and international stages.
