'Waited our whole lives for this': Singapore sailing community celebrates Max Maeder's bronze medal

SINGAPORE: When former national sailors Koh Seng Leong and Toh Li Ying competed in the Olympics, winning a medal was not the goal.

"Qualification was the top of the agenda," Mr Koh told CNA on Friday (Aug 9).

The situation was different for kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder. 

"Max just qualified and medaled," said Mr Koh who was among the crowd at the National Sailing Centre, cheering the 17-year-old on. 

"It's a stellar result. We've waited our whole lives for this," he said, adding that no one has the right to be upset that Maeder took home the bronze and not a gold or silver. "It's still history in the making."

This experience serve Maeder well, said Mr Koh, highlighting that the new Olympic medallist is still very young. 

He acknowledged that hopes were high for the two-time kitefoiling world champion, but said Maeder didn't get a good start in some of the races - which can make a difference since the course is not particularly long.

"They have no radios in their ear, they have to make the decisions themselves," he said. "We have a bird's eye view, they're racing at (high speeds) at sea level."

Local kitefoiler Arthur Phan said Maeder's decision to change his kite to a smaller one for the final race was a gamble.

He said Maeder may have been expecting the winds to pick up speed - but that did not happen during the last race.

"When the wind goes beyond a certain level, you cannot use too big a kite," he said, explaining that it would be difficult to control. 

Ms Toh said that it is common for the sea breeze to pick up around the time of the race. "Maybe he felt that it was too overpowering," she said.

"But it's good - first medal and Singapore's only medal (for the Paris 2024 Games)."

Former sailor Mok Kahmun said Maeder is likely to be his own toughest critic.

"He looked disappointed on the coach's boat, I felt for him," she said.

"But he still got up on his board and flew the flag high, which I thought was very sweet, although inside he must feel really crushed," said Ms Mok, who volunteers at the National Sailing Centre.

Fans who gathered at the centre on Friday evening also got to say hi to Maeder through a WhatsApp video call shortly after the victory ceremony. He waved, blew a kiss and showed off his medal to supporters.

She said Maeder likely felt the weight of expectations on him, and the wind conditions didn't play to his strengths. 

"Anything could have happened. We of course hoped for a medal, any colour," she said.

"We are very proud of him," said Ms Mok, adding that the 17-year-old is very strong psychologically.

"He continues to just amaze and inspire, honestly."