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

SEA Games athletics

Dipna Lim Prasad will be representing Singapore in the women’s 400m hurdles event at the 28th SEA Games. She is also a key member of the 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?

Dipna Lim-Prasad (DLP): I started running in my neighbourhood’s playground playing catching with the other kids in the estate. I later joined the track and field CCA in CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School in Primary 4.

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

DLP: This one is a little more tricky for me because I’ve always bounced around events. But for the 400m hurdles, which I am competing in for the SEA Games this year, I would say that I like the challenge of it. It is technical and gruelling, and no other race is the same – I have to actively modify my strides with the change of track surface or even the wind speed and direction.

RS: What are your aims this SEA Games?

DLP: I am nursing two injuries but I still hope to clock a personal best. And then hoping that personal best timing can get me on the podium.

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

DLP: I feel exhilarated. This is the first time I will be competing at a major meet in Singapore. The idea of my fellow Singaporeans filling up the stands and cheering for my teammates and me warms my heart.

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

DLP: I hope to see a warm and friendly crowd welcoming all the athletes, and for the crowd to cheer us on as we run our hearts out for our country.

Dipna Lim-Prasad
Height: 1.75m
Weight: 54kg
Event: 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay
Personal best: 59.86sec

Also representing Singapore in the women’s 400m hurdles: Ng Jia Yi

The women’s 400m hurdles final is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2015. See here for full schedule

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