20-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) Maximilian Maeder, a rising star in the world of sailing, secured the gold medal in the men’s kite event at the Allianz Sailing World Championships on Saturday, August 19th. This remarkable achievement marks Maeder’s first senior world title and has positioned him as a formidable contender for future sailing competitions, including the Paris Olympics slated for 2024.
Maeder’s journey to gold began with his second-place finish at the final qualifying event. This outstanding performance not only earned him the coveted world title but also secured a quota spot for Singapore at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Only two weeks prior, Maeder had already showcased his prowess by clinching his third consecutive youth world championships title in Gizzeria, Italy. At just 16 years old, Maeder’s remarkable achievements have established him as one of Singapore’s most promising athletes for the upcoming Olympics.
In the final medal series at The Hague in the Netherlands, Maeder faced off against Toni Vodisek of Slovenia, who needed just one race victory to claim the gold medal. However, Maeder demonstrated his determination by winning both the first and third races, ultimately securing the gold in the first-to-three medal fleet.
Born to a Swiss father and a Singaporean mother, Maeder’s journey as a kitefoiler began at the tender age of 10. Despite his youth, he has steadily climbed the ranks in the sailing world, currently holding the impressive world ranking of #7.
Following his recent triumph, Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Edwin Tong extended his heartfelt congratulations to Maeder. The Singaporean sailing prodigy’s dedication and skill have not only brought him personal success but have also raised Singapore’s profile in the world of competitive sailing.
