Singapore kitefoiler Max Maeder dominates, wins maiden SEA Games gold with a day to spare
After three days of racing, Max Maeder has won all of his 12 races, leaving his rivals with no mathematical chance of catching him.
Singapore’s Maximilian Maeder celebrates after winning the last round of the men’s kitefoiling on Dec 16, 2025 at the 33rd SEA Games in Chonburi, Thailand. (Photo: CNA/Jeremy Long)
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PATTAYA: Singapore star kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder is guaranteed a debut SEA Games gold, with one day of racing still to go.
At Jomtien Beach in Pattaya on Tuesday (Dec 16), the Olympic bronze medallist won all four of his races in the men’s formula kite event.
After three days of racing, Maeder has won all of his 12 races, leaving his rivals with no mathematical chance of catching him on the competition's final day on Wednesday.
"To be able to seal it on day three is amazing. The SEA Games gold is something I've always wanted to win for Singapore ... I'm super happy about it, to be able to seal the deal," he told reporters.
"I'm still in anticipation for tomorrow, the final day, to get it sealed and done. Perhaps the rush of emotions will come then."
This is the first time kitefoiling has featured at the Games.
Maeder's victory marks the fourth gold won by Singapore’s sailing contingent in Thailand after wins by Ryan Lo (men’s ILCA 7), Ethan Chia (boys’ optimist), and Jania Ang (women’s ILCA 6).
"I look at my performance and it's a bittersweet feeling. There's things which I've learnt which means that there are things that I didn't do well," said Maeder.
"Yes, I'm proud of being on a clean track so far. But performance-wise, I always feel there's more room to search for."
The 19-year-old started 2025 by retaining his crown at Trofeo Princesa Sofia Regatta and went on to also successfully defend his Formula Kite European Championships open title.
He also won the Sportsman of the Year title for the first time at the Singapore Sports Awards in June.
However, Italy’s Riccardo Pianosi has been a thorn in Maeder’s side this year, pipping him at the French Olympic Week event in April and the Formula Kite Youth European Championships in June.
The Singaporean also lost out to Pianosi at the Formula Kite World Championships in October, and missed out on a hat-trick of titles in the event.
At the IKA Youth World Championships in Portugal, which ended on Nov 1, Maeder finished outside the top three.
Despite having competed all over the world, Maeder, who also won gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, said that taking part in the SEA Games is "special".
"This is a Games environment. There's a little bit more (at) stake, there's a little bit more pride on the line, and everything is just at a higher level in terms of how much it matters," he added.
"It feels special because of that."
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