6-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has announced a four-year deferment from full-time National Service (NS) for world champion kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder. The decision, revealed on Saturday, allows the 18-year-old athlete to focus on his training and competitive pursuits leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Maeder, who was originally slated to begin his NS enlistment this September, submitted an application for deferment with the backing of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). MINDEF’s approval was based on Maeder’s exceptional performance in high-level competitions, including his gold medal wins at the 2022 Asian Games and the 2023 and 2024 Formula Kite World Championships.
The deferment period is set to run from 12 September 2024 to 31 August 2028, after which Maeder will be required to fulfil his NS obligations. This rare allowance underscores Singapore’s commitment to nurturing world-class athletic talent while balancing national service requirements.
MINDEF emphasised that such deferments are granted only to “exceptional sportsmen who are assessed to be potential medal winners for Singapore at top-tier international competitions such as the Olympic Games.” The ministry further stated that each case is carefully evaluated in consultation with MCCY.
During his deferment, Maeder is expected to maintain a rigorous focus on his Olympic preparations and meet specific performance targets. Additionally, he must obtain consent from both MCCY and MINDEF for any paid activities, including commercial sponsorships.
Maeder’s journey in kitefoiling began at the tender age of six, introduced to the sport by his Swiss father. Born to a Singaporean mother, Maeder’s mixed heritage has not hindered his representation of Singapore on the global stage. His recent string of victories, including five consecutive event wins and a gold medal at the Formula Kite European Championships in March, has solidified his status as a medal prospect for the upcoming Olympic Games in Marseille, where kitefoiling will make its debut.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong expressed his support for Maeder in a Facebook post, highlighting the athlete’s remarkable progress since his emergence at the 2018 Formula Kite Asian Championships. Tong emphasised the government’s proactive approach in identifying and supporting athletes with medal-winning potential, working closely with national sport associations and MINDEF to facilitate such arrangements.
This decision places Maeder in an elite group of Singaporean athletes granted long-term NS deferment in the past two decades, joining the ranks of sailor Maximilian Soh and swimmers Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen.
