SINGAPORE: Less than 48 hours after touching down in Singapore, Shanti Pereira was back at Changi Airport again.

If every millisecond on the track is precious to the Singapore sprinter, time off it is no less valuable.

Speaking to CNA from Germany, Pereira was gearing up for her next big task - to qualify for the World Championships in September.

But first comes recovery from an "intense" week in May where she clinched two silver medals, registered a season's best and clocked a national record at the Asian Championships in South Korea.

"It was a really good outing, really happy about it, and excited for what's to come," the 28-year-old said.

"This process can be pretty intense, and takes a lot out of you, but definitely enjoying the journey, enjoying everything about it."

SETTING THE TONE

Pereira went into the Asian Championships as defending champion in the 100m and 200m events. But much has passed since she clinched that historic sprint double in 2023.

At the Hangzhou Asian Games later that year, she won the 200m - Singapore’s first athletics gold medal at that level since 1974.

Days before that, Pereira already ended Singapore’s nearly 50-year wait for an Asiad track and field medal, with silver in the 100m.

Then, a stress injury to her fibula in early 2024 resulted in her missing her debut in the elite Diamond League competition in China, as well as the chance to race in two major meets in Japan among other events.

It also set her back on...