High Flier

Age is only a number for Maximilian Maeder who recently became the kite foiling world champion and is set to compete in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

- Asaph Low

From days spent away from family and friends to hours sacrificed for training, it is well-documented that athletes trod a different path than most people. For 17-year-old Maximilian Maeder, it is a journey that he revels in. "The sooner you realise that bringing people like your family, supporters and people who enjoy what you do along your journey - rather than taking those who criticise you will bring you much more joy and fulfilment," shares the teen with much self-assurance and -confidence that emanated throughout the interview.

These are innate qualities of sportspeople especially those who compete at the highest levels - which manifests in their body language, clarity of thought and maturity. Competing at the youth level while rubbing shoulders with competitors in the open categories at such a young age forged Maximilian's mentality. "I think it's important for everyone to realise that you have to be grateful for the position that you're in. I cannot complain about having a setback. I think it's good at least personally to experience that (setbacks) so you can work your way around and see it as an opportunity for improvement," quips the kite foiler.

While most of us are starting a tertiary education at 17, Maximilian is already a world champion and Asian Games gold medalist. 2023 was a year to remember as he swept home several accolades and milestones.

Maximilian won gold and successfully defended his title at the Formula Kite Youth World Championships in Gizzeria, Italy, before claiming the coveted Sailing World Championships a month later in The Hague, Netherlands. Maximilian's winning streak continued as he brought home one of Singapore's three gold medals at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.

His dominance and achievements earned him a spot in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, and he became the first Singaporean nominated for the prestigious Rolex World Male Sailor of the Year Award 2023.