Shanti Pereira did what she needed to do, crossed the line as quickly as she could in Lane 2, and in the process made her first Asian Games final in her athletics career history.
Her 11.42s at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in the second semi-finals of the 100m was enough to get through to the last eight as the sixth fastest qualifier.
But a medal in the final which will be held on 30 September at 9.40pm is definitely not a guarantee, despite her blistering times set so far this year while touring the track and field circuts around the globe.
In the other heats, China Ge Manqi, who finished the sprint in 11.17s, even faster than Pereira’s fastest this season which stands at 11.20s.
Bahrain’s Hajar Saad Al-Khaldi (11.34s) and Thailand’s Supanich Poolkerd (11.36s), along with Bahrain’s Edidioing Odiong (11.34s).
Pereira herself was not surprised at the level of competition, even though she is the reigning 100m and 200m at the Asian Athletics Championships.
“All the Chinese, Bahrain and Iranian girls… I expecetd very quick times from them so let’s just see how the next round and the 200m goes,” she told the Straits Times.
Pereira herself has begun to manage the public’s expectations following the heats and after having a taste of the level of competition.
“I’m just enjoying the whole process of just being here,” she told the Straits Times.
“I had the best time coming in so it was a pleasant experience, I’m just happy to be racing and doing both events.”
MAIN PHOTO: SINGAPORE NATIONAL OLYMPIC COUNCIL