'An experience to remember': Singapore's Maximilian Maeder hungry for more after second straight world title

SINGAPORE: Maximilian Maeder simply relishes competition.

"I must say I enjoy it. It's not something I see as a chore or that I see as annoying or puts pressure," the 17-year-old told CNA after successfully defending his kitefoiling world title on Sunday (May 19).

'It's just really pleasant, especially if you compete against such great athletes and sportsmen ... It must be just natural for me somehow to compete because I don't feel too encumbered or fatigued. I would be happy to do more."

Earlier in the day, the Singaporean saw off Italy's world No 1 Riccardo Pianosi, Austria's Valentin Bontus and France's Axel Mazzella to take gold in Hyeres, France.

Maeder went into the final day of the 2024 Formula Kite World Championships as the favourite, having topped the opening series. This gave him a bye to the final and he did not compete in the semi-finals which were also held on Sunday.

The Singaporean also carried two race wins into the final as a result of his commanding win in the opening series.

He needed to win just one race out of four to defend his title as, based on the competition format, the first competitor to three wins in the final wins gold. Maeder went on to win the first race in the final.

"Its great to see that what we have been working on and what we've been placing our bets on has worked. And that fortune smiled upon us while we were at it," he said.

"All in all, it was an experience to remember for sure."

EVERY EVENT A "CLEAN SLATE"

Maeder, now fourth in the world rankings, has been on a stunning run of form since last year.

The Asian Games gold medalist has now won five events in a row, with the youngster winning the men's title at the Formula Kite European Championships in March.

When asked about his consistency, Maeder attributed it to the team behind him.

"I'm massively fortunate to be able to have a good team that supports me well, that backs me and stands behind me. Coach, training partner, family, federation sponsors," he explained.

"All that helps a lot so that you can focus on the work that you want to do."

Born in Singapore to a Swiss father and a Singaporean mother, Maeder was introduced to kiteboarding at the age of six by his father, Valentin, before he eventually progressed to kitefoiling.

The sport will make its Olympic debut in Marseille in less than three months, with Maeder one of the medal prospects. 

While expectations may continue to build, he said that the biggest pressure comes from within.

"Every new event ... is a fresh clean slate, it is an opportunity to go again, to show again and to compete again," he said.

"In terms of the pressure, it is mainly coming from within myself, and me upon myself giving pressure to say let's do it again, execute again and prepare properly again."

Maeder's goal is to prepare well and execute to the best of his ability.

"You can't control everything with certainty but you can always increase the likelihood of something happening. So prepare well and execute as best you can and represent your nation with honour and pride," Maeder explained.

While the Olympics is a "big milestone", he is also cognisant that it is not the be all and end all.

"I have the opportunity to compete again and I do intend to stay as consistent as I can."