Interview by Colin Tung/Red Sports. Photo by Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports

Singapore athlete and Southeast Asian Games hopeful T. Piriyah. (Photo © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)

T. Piriyah will be competing in the women’s 400m event at the 28th SEA Games. She is also part of the national 4x400m relay team. (Photo © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)

Red Sports (RS): Tell us about your background as an athlete. When, where, and how did you get your start in athletics?

T. Piriyah (TP): I started in track in Primary 5. I was running in my school’s Sports Day (Anderson Primary) when the track and field coach saw me run and told me to join the team.

RS: What do you enjoy about your event? What has kept you in it over the years?

TP: Sometimes I ask myself that question too. I think I have been in this event for so long that I don’t imagine myself doing anything else.

RS: What are your aims this SEA Games?

TP: I aim for a personal best in my 400m and, for the 4x400m relay, we are hoping to break the national record.

RS: How do you feel about competing at the first SEA Games on home ground in 22 years?

TP: I feel honoured to be representing Singapore. I am extremely excited to be running in front of my family and friends.

RS: What sort of scene do you imagine and hope to see at the National Stadium on competition day?

TP: I hope all our fellow Singaporeans come together as one to cheer and support us athletes.

T. Piriyah
Height: 1.75m
Weight: 60kg
Event: 400m
Personal best: 56.20sec

Also representing Singapore in the women’s 400m: Goh Chui Ling

The women’s 400m final is scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2015. See here for full schedule

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