Maximilian Maeder, born on September 12, 2006, in Singapore, is a prominent kitefoiler representing Singapore on the international stage. His family background is a blend of Swiss and Singaporean heritage, and they have played a significant role in his development as an athlete.​

👨‍👩‍👦 Family Overview

  • Father: Valentin Maeder, a Swiss-German from Flawil, Switzerland, is a glider pilot and water sports enthusiast. He introduced Max to kiteboarding at the age of six and later to kitefoiling at ten. Valentin has also been involved in managing the Wakatobi Dive Resort in Indonesia, founded by his brother, Lorenz Mäder, a marine biologist. 

  • Mother: Teng Hwee Keng, a Singaporean Chinese and NUS alumna, has been instrumental in Max's upbringing. She emphasized multilingual education, encouraging Max to learn Mandarin by communicating with him exclusively in that language at times. Hwee Keng also serves on the board of the Wakatobi Dive Resort. ​

  • Siblings:

    • Karl Maeder: Born in 2008, Karl is also a kitefoiler and represents Switzerland in youth competitions.

    • Valentin Jr.: Born in 2015, he is the youngest of the Maeder siblings

🏠 Early Life and Education

Max and his brothers were homeschooled, allowing for a flexible schedule that accommodated their sporting pursuits. The family spent considerable time at the Wakatobi Dive Resort in Indonesia, where Max's exposure to water sports began. ​

🌐 Heritage and Citizenship

With dual nationality, Max chose to represent Singapore in international competitions, a decision he likened to choosing between "chicken rice and cheese fondue," favoring his Singaporean roots. ​

The Maeder family's commitment to nurturing their children's talents and providing a supportive environment has been pivotal in Max's journey to becoming a world-class athlete.

🏆 Career Highlights

  • 2023: At the age of 16, Maeder clinched his first Formula Kite World Championship, becoming the youngest winner in any Olympic sailing class competition. ​

  • 2024: He secured his second consecutive Formula Kite World Championship title and won a bronze medal in the inaugural Men's Formula Kite event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking Singapore's first Olympic medal in sailing. ​

  • Maeder has consistently dominated the sport, winning multiple Youth World Championships, Asian Championships, and European Championships, and maintaining podium finishes in every competition since 2021. ​

🏄‍♂️ Style and Approach

Maeder describes kitefoiling as a blend of "Formula One meets chess," highlighting the sport's combination of high-speed racing and strategic decision-making. He often solves chess puzzles as part of his mental preparation, believing it sharpens his tactical thinking on the water. ​

🇸🇬 National Representation

Born to a Swiss father and Singaporean mother, Maeder chose to represent Singapore internationally. He likened the decision to choosing between "chicken rice and cheese fondue," ultimately favoring his Singaporean roots. 

🏅 Awards and Recognition

  • Young World Sailor of the Year (2024)​

  • The Straits Times Athlete of the Year (2024) ​

  • Three-time SNOC Sportsboy of the Year (2022, 2023, 2024) ​

🔗 Connect with Max Maeder

Max Maeder's remarkable achievements at such a young age have not only elevated Singapore's presence in the international sailing community but also inspired a new generation of athletes in the region.

 

 

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