Marc Louis: Singapore’s Sprinting Star Eyes 2025 Gold Medal Glory
SINGAPORE – In the past two years, sprinter Marc Louis has shattered longstanding 60m and 100m national records and clinched Singapore’s first 100m silver medal at the SEA Games in over a decade. Remarkably, he achieved these feats while juggling full-time national service.
A New Chapter in Louis’ Career
Having completed his national service obligations last December, Louis is now fully committed to his track and field ambitions. The 22-year-old athlete is pursuing a full-time athletic career for a year to maximize his potential, a decision he made after consulting with his parents and coach, Benber Yu.
“Going full time will give me more recovery time, more training time, and opportunities to improve physically,” Louis told The Straits Times. “I’m hopeful that this will help me achieve even faster times in 2025.”
Notable Achievements
Over the past two years, Louis has made significant strides in his career. At the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, he secured Singapore’s first 100m silver medal since Gary Yeo’s runner-up finish in 2011, clocking a time of 10.39 seconds—just 0.02 seconds behind Thailand’s Soraoat Dapbang.
Four months later, Louis set a new national record of 10.27 seconds at the Hangzhou Asian Games, lowering the previous mark set by U.K. Shyam in 2001 by 0.10 seconds.
In March 2024, Louis broke the national 60m record at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow with a 6.69-second effort, surpassing Yeo’s 2012 mark by 0.02 seconds.
Motivation from Shanti Pereira
Louis’ decision to go full-time comes after observing the impressive performances of sprint queen Shanti Pereira, who achieved tremendous success after committing to full-time training in 2023. Pereira won the 100m and 200m at the Cambodia SEA Games and the Asian Athletics Championships, becoming the first Singaporean athlete to reach the semi-finals of the world championships and qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
“Shanti Pereira’s achievements have really motivated me,” Louis said. “Her dedication has shown me what’s possible when you go all in.”
Training and Future Goals
Coach Benber Yu, who has worked with Louis for over a decade, expressed his excitement about the sprinter’s potential. “He’s been balancing studies, internships, and national service, but now he can fully focus on training,” Yu said.
Before national service, Louis trained up to six times a week while working as a clerk at Nee Soon Camp. Now, he will train up to 11 times a week, with double sessions on some days and two gym sessions.
Yu sets ambitious targets for Louis in 2025: lowering the 100m national record to 10.19 seconds and breaking the 200m record with a 20.8-second time. Currently, the 200m record stands at 21.07 seconds, set by Reuben Lee in 2022.
Overcoming Setbacks
Despite his impressive achievements, Louis faced a setback at the end of the 2024 season when he had to withdraw from a race at the Olympic debut in August 2023 due to discomfort in his right hamstring. However, he is now fully recovered and ready for the challenges ahead.
“I’m not one to give up easily,” Louis said. “I’m determined to show what I can do in 2025.”
2025 SEA Games: A Target for Gold
The Dec. 9-20 SEA Games in Thailand will be a crucial event for Louis, who has won a 100m bronze at the 2022 Games in Hanoi and a silver at the 2023 Games in Cambodia. The last Singaporean male athlete to win a sprint gold at the regional meet was C. Kunalan, who clinched the 100m and 200m titles at the 1969 Games in Myanmar.
“Winning a gold medal has always been my goal,” Louis said with a sheepish smile. “Let’s see what my legs can do this year.”
Louis’ journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
With competitions like the World Athletics Indoor Championships in March, the Asian championships in May, and the world championships in September, Louis is set to compete against the best in the world. However, the Dec. 9-20 SEA Games in Thailand remains his primary target.
Looking Ahead
Marc Louis is poised to make history at the 2025 SEA Games. With a full-time commitment to his training, he aims to claim gold in the 100m and 200m events, breaking the 56-year drought for male sprint gold for Singapore.
“I’ve always dreamed of standing on that podium and hearing ‘Singapore’ announced over the loudspeakers,” Louis said. “That’s what drives me every day.”
As Louis steps up his game, the eyes of the sports world will undoubtedly be on him. Fans and supporters alike will be cheering him on in his quest for gold.
About the Author
- Deepanraj Ganesan is a sports journalist at The Straits Times focusing on football, athletics, combat sports, and policy-related news.
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