MAEDER'S 'WIN' OF CHANGE

Sailing community see kitefoiler’s bronze as a game changer for the sport at home

- Kimberly Kwek and Deepanraj Ganesan

Maximilian Maeder's bronze medal at the Paris Olympics on Aug 9 was not just a triumph for Singapore - it was also a win for the sailing community, who believe that the 17-year-old kitefoiler's feat could be a game changer for the relatively obscure sport back home.

Only about 150 people are active in the sport in Singapore, with most in their 30s or older, said former Kitesurfing Association of Singapore (KAS) president Edmund Tang.

He added: "Max's win is a win for the whole community, he is flying the flag for the sport in Singapore.

This could be a game changer for the sport." The association has been trying to raise awareness about kitefoiling since it was announced that the sport would make its Olympic debut in Paris. It has held road shows and races at East Coast Park to raise its profile here.

Since 2018, the KAS has worked on youth development to recruit more young participants, but many were put off by having to endure long waits for the right wind conditions.

Tang, 59, hopes that Maximilian's achievement will help attract more young kiters. He said: "The reality is that this is a difficult sport. One where you have to wait for ideal wind conditions. But the thrill is great and I hope more people see that."