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.
Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
An Electrifying Ride
With a pack full of features, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV promises luxurious, joyful and fuss-free journeys.
Full Circle
The Macallan travels back in time with the TIME:SPACE to celebrate 200 years of whisky-making mastery.
Maturity in Spirit
The Glenrothes' revamped Core Collection mirrors our human bildungsroman, revealing the artistry behind the maturation process with its latest pop-up.
Benvenuto a Locanda
There is no experience more impactful than an honest meal and earnest hospitality, so Locanda makes for an appealing culinary stopover that should not be missed.
A Genuine Article of Fusion
Quenino by Victor Liong is the resident fine-dining hideout of Artyzen Singapore, its degustation menu showcases the best of Asian cuisine melded with contemporary Western savoir-faire.
The Last Word
As the Official Timekeeper for the Olympics, there is a tremendous onus that comes with the role. After all, the Olympics is the world's stage where human excellence is measured down to the minutiae. By that standard, OMEGA's competence in the timekeeping field is also measured.
From Paper to Metal
Men's Folio visited the Cartier Manufacture and Maison des Métiers d'Art earlier this year to discover the unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation within those wall
Mavericks Amongst Traditionalists
Fashion watch brands are finding their feet amidst century old watchmakers as their maverick approach sets them apart from the current landscape of watchmaking.
The Case for the "It" Watch
As much as watches in popular culture being necessary might be an unpopular opinion, here is why it is crucial to the survival of the passion we all love.
Heavy Lidded
In the masculine world of grooming, the sport (or art) of decorating one's lids with darkened kohl has been practised amongst niche circles, reserved for only a few brave men willing to go - or draw - the lengths of a sharp winged liner. Given the past decade's adoration of the bare-is-best routines, the notion of lined eyes has been mostly cast away. However, as the return of the Indie Sleaze movement returns, confronting the pressing question cannot be put off any longer. Should the world be opening its eyes and waking up for the return of \"guyliner\"?
