Historic Achievement

Singapore's young kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder has made waves in the sporting world, securing S$250,000 (approximately US$190,000) as a reward for his outstanding performance, clinching bronze at the Paris Olympics. This remarkable achievement not only adds to his growing accolades but also marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s Olympic history.

Recognition of Success

During the recent Major Games Award Programme (MAP) event held at Swissotel The Stamford on October 23, Maeder received the substantial cheque, reflecting the importance of his achievement. Speaking to the media, he expressed his intentions for the prize money, stating, "The smart choice is to save and invest it … I can now buy more gear without worrying too much, but I think I will use it to further the development of my sport and help my brother with his gear as well."

Major Games Award Programme (MAP)

The MAP, organized by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), honors athletes who have excelled in major competitions, including the Southeast Asian, Commonwealth, Asian, and Olympic Games. Under this program, Olympic medallists receive cash rewards proportional to their achievements: S$1 million for gold, S$500,000 for silver, and S$250,000 for bronze. Remarkably, Maeder is now Singapore's first Olympic sailing medallist and the youngest at only 18 years old. His success ends an eight-year medal drought for Singapore at the Olympics since swimmer Joseph Schooling's gold in Rio 2016.

Giving Back to the Sport

Maeder demonstrated his commitment to the sport by acknowledging that 20% of his prize, amounting to S$50,000, will be donated to the Singapore Sailing Federation for future training and development. "I feel that the most fulfilling thing of my journey as an athlete is to uplift others through my sport," he shared.

National Pride

SNOC president Grace Fu praised Maeder and his fellow athletes for embodying the spirit of the Olympic Games, stating, "They carried the hopes of a nation and stood tall on the world’s grandest stage."

Impressive Debut and Future Potential

In a field of 23 athletes who competed for Singapore at the Paris Olympics, 15, including Maeder, were making their debut. This young talent’s bronze medal stands as Singapore's sixth Olympic medal, igniting hope for future sporting excellence in the nation.

Maeder's Stellar Year and Future Aspirations

Maximilian Maeder has had an exceptional year, solidifying his status as the world’s top-ranked kitefoiler. Before the Olympics, he achieved remarkable victories, including five consecutive wins culminating in defending his title at the World Championships. Post-Olympics, his winning streak continued with victories at prestigious events such as the KiteFoil World Series in Austria and the Asian Championships in China.

Recognition and Ambitions

Furthermore, Maeder was recently awarded Sportsboy of the Year for the third consecutive time at the Singapore Sports Awards, underscoring his dominance in the sport. His notable success has also seen him nominated for the inaugural Young World Sailor of the Year award at the 2024 World Sailing Awards, where he aspires to become the first Singaporean to win such an accolade. "To inspire many Singaporeans by winning this award would mean a lot," he mentioned, humorously promising to work a day in a 'curry puff store' if he wins.

Inspiration for Future Generations

With his ambitious goals, dedication, and enthusiastic spirit, Maeder is not only setting a high standard for himself but is also paving the way for the next generation of sailors in Singapore. This victory may just be the beginning for Max Maeder, whose journey will surely inspire many and shine a spotlight on Singapore's growing presence in the sailing world.