Singapore’s Maximilian Maeder Dominates Asian Games with Gold Medal Win
Singaporean sailor Maximilian Maeder continues to make waves in the sailing world, adding another gold medal to his impressive list of achievements at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. The 17-year-old dominated the Formula Kite competition, winning every race and securing Singapore’s first gold at the Games.
Maeder, who had already won the Formula Kite title at the Sailing World Championships and the Sportsboy of the Year honours at the Singapore Sports Awards, showcased his talent once again on Wednesday. Despite the final being called off due to weak winds, Maeder’s stellar performance throughout the competition earned him the top spot with 13 net points, ahead of China’s Zhang Haoran and Thailand’s Joseph Jonathan Weston.
With his remarkable sporting achievements, Maeder has earned a three-year sponsorship from beverage company Yeo Hiap Seng and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, supporting his training and equipment as he sets his sights on Olympic glory in 2024.
In addition to Maeder’s success, Singaporean sailor Ryan Lo also had a memorable day, clinching his first Asian Games gold in the men’s ILCA7 event. The medal race was cancelled, but Lo’s consistent performance throughout the competition secured him the top spot with 26 net points, earning him an Olympic quota spot for the 2024 Paris Games.
Overall, Team Singapore sailors had a successful outing at the Asian Games, clinching two golds, two silvers, and four bronzes – an improvement from their performance in the 2018 edition. The success continued in the wushu events, with Jowen Lim winning a silver medal in the men’s daoshu and gunshu all-round event, adding to Kimberly Ong’s bronze in the women’s changquan event.
The achievements of Maeder, Lo, Lim, and the rest of Team Singapore at the Asian Games have not only brought glory to the nation but also inspired young athletes across the country. With their sights set on future competitions, including the Olympics, these talented athletes are proving that Singapore is a force to be reckoned with in the world of sailing and wushu.