Singapore's Olympic bronze medallist Max returns to a rousing welcome

Despite having just been on a 13-hour flight from Paris, Maximilian Maeder's smile never wavered in the one hour or so that it took him to leave Changi Airport's Terminal 3 after touching down at 6am on Aug 13.

- Deepanraj Ganesan

Walking through a busier than usual arrival hall, the 17-year-old made sure that every request from the waiting crowd was met as Singapore welcomed home its youngest Olympic medallist.

With his bronze medal slung around the neck, the kitefoiler was first greeted by Minister for Community, Culture and Youth Edwin Tong, who welcomed Maximilian with an orchid garland before family members shared a warm embrace with the teenager.

Sailor Ryan Lo, who competed in the men's dinghy event in Paris, was the next to emerge. He, too, received a garland and a hug from Mr Tong.

Max held court with over 60 people including fans, officials from Singapore Sailing Federation and Sport Singapore and about 20 members of the media, who all wanted a piece of him.

A wefie, an autograph, a soundbite, a photo. Maximilian graciously obliged every request wearing that boyish smile across his face.

When fans asked for wefies, he went above and beyond, encouraging them to hold his medal while posing and even lifting young children onto his shoulders for a priceless moment.