Maximilian Maeder delivered a significant achievement for Singapore on National Day by clinching a bronze medal in the men’s formula kite event at the Paris Olympics. This medal marks Singapore’s sixth Olympic medal and adds to the young athlete’s impressive list of accomplishments in 2024.
The 17-year-old’s performance in the Olympic regatta, held at Marseille Marina, was characterized by challenging conditions due to light winds. Of the 16 races scheduled in the opening series, only seven could be completed. The fluctuating weather resulted in a highly volatile leaderboard, with standings shifting throughout the competition.
Maximilian started strong, finishing third after the first day of racing. He quickly climbed to the top of the leaderboard on the second day. However, by the end of the third day, Slovenia’s Toni Vodisek reclaimed the lead, pushing Maximilian to second place. The standings remained unchanged after the final day of the opening series on 7 August, as the races were canceled due to a lack of wind.
Vodisek entered the final on 9 August with a significant advantage, having earned two match points by qualifying at the top of the opening series, meaning he needed only one race win to secure the gold. Maximilian, carrying one match point, required two victories to claim the title.
In a surprising turn of events, Vodisek was handed two penalties, resulting in a deduction of 1.1 points before the final races. Austria’s Valentin Bontus capitalized on this opportunity, winning both final races to secure the gold medal. Vodisek and Maximilian finished with silver and bronze, respectively.
Maximilian’s bronze medal adds to his successful 2024 season, during which he retained his world championship title and won multiple other accolades. This latest achievement at the Olympics further solidifies his position as one of Singapore’s top athletes.
