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Kugapriya eyes sub-12sec time, semis spot, at World Championships

SINGAPORE — She remains a little jet-lagged, and is still getting used to the chilly weather. But nevertheless, Singapore national junior sprinter C Kugapriya is feeling pumped and confident of achieving her targets at this week’s IAAF World Under-20 Championships in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz.

Former Singapore Sports School student C. Kugapriya is aiming to become only the second Singapore woman sprinter to go under 12 seconds in the 100m. Photo courtesy of Singapore Sports School

Former Singapore Sports School student C. Kugapriya is aiming to become only the second Singapore woman sprinter to go under 12 seconds in the 100m. Photo courtesy of Singapore Sports School

SINGAPORE — She remains a little jet-lagged, and is still getting used to the chilly weather. But nevertheless, Singapore national junior sprinter C Kugapriya is feeling pumped and confident of achieving her targets at this week’s IAAF World Under-20 Championships in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz.

The 18-year-old ITE College West student, Singapore’s sole representative at the world meet, is gunning to become the second Singapore woman after Shanti Pereira to go under 12s in the 100m, and qualify for the semi-finals. 

Indeed, it was at another IAAF meet — the 2013 World Youth Championships in Ukraine — that Shanti, then 16, clocked 11.89s to set a new national women’s 100m record.

Kugapriya, who is coached by Margaret Oh, told TODAY: “I’m feeling pretty excited and can’t wait for my heat on Wednesday afternoon. 

“To be honest, I am not feeling nervous yet and feel quite laidback actually. But on the day itself, I will feel it. 

“But that is a good thing. It means I will be focused and also shows that I care about my performance.  

“My aim is to qualify for the semi-finals and I hope to do a sub-12s timing.”

Kugapriya’s confidence stems from the times she has been clocking in the past few months. Since April, the Singapore Sports School graduate has lowered her 100m personal best twice.

At the Singapore Open in April, she slashed her time of 12.38s to 12.19s. At the Thailand Open earlier this month, she lowered it again to 12.09s in the heats before eventually winning the silver in 12.23s on a wet track. Veteran coach Oh is quietly keeping her fingers crossed that her young charge can pull it off. 

“Much will depend on the weather and wind conditions,” said the 55-year-old of the daily 20°C temperatures. 

“It’s a bit cold and chilly because of the winds. But Priya has been improving in training, and has shown confidence in all the races that she has competed in. 

“If all goes well, with a good start, and with strong competition, she can achieve what she is here for.”

 

Margaret Oh (left) and Kugapriya at Changi Airport on Sunday prior to their departure for Poland. Photo: Singapore Athletics Facebook page

According to Oh, Kugapriya’s improvement is the result of her growing stronger physically and mentally.

“Physically, she is stronger as she has started doing squats. She could not do so previously because of back pains. 

“Priya has improved her core strength, and is much stronger now mentally as compared to last year.” 

Even though Kugapriya knows she will be up against athletes who will be much faster than her, she is relishing the challenge.

“I know these world championships are going be really tough as I will be competing against the world’s finest junior athletes. 

“But I’ve been competing with athletes in the same age group as me so I sort of know where I stand,” said Priya, who finished fifth in her 200m heat at last year’s IAAF World Juniors in Colombia.

“But I will not be fazed and will give 100 per cent on my race day. If everything goes well, I will be able to attain my goals.”

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