Singaporean kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder is The Straits Times’ Athlete of the Year 2024

SINGAPORE – Maximilian Maeder had a year to remember in 2024, winning nearly every title on offer. He retained his world title, claimed the Asian Championship, and became Singapore’s youngest Olympic medallist with

a bronze at the Paris Games.

Yet, despite his success, he was still hit by pre-season nerves ahead of his first event in 2025 – the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Regatta in Spain from March 28 to April 5.

Ahead of the regatta, he had encountered unfamiliar challenges during training. While he had previously dominated his training partner, Martin Dolenc, the Croat was now occasionally faster than him.

But the 18-year-old accepts that it is part of the experience of being an elite athlete.

“You always have a bit of pre-season jitters, you don’t know what everyone’s been doing over the winter. You want to see what it’s like, and you’re not so sure about what everyone’s standings is, and even your own so things like these are normal,” he said.

“The more you experience, the more seasoned you are and the more self-confidence you have in these types of situations... it’s just something that I get to work on now.”

After a whirlwind 2024 filled with new experiences, the start of the season has brought more of the same, and Maeder is embracing it.

He said: “It’s just something that I have to learn because so far, I’ve had the privilege of being confident in my form, but now that it’s not there and it won’t always be like this.

“The way you deal with it is you let them have their effect, you let them make you pay attention and tune those fine details approaching the regatta.

“And then once you’re in the race, it’s time to find out how well you’ve trained, how well you’ve prepared and how well your process is to execute your performance.”

As his season got under way in Palma on Mallorca island, Maeder was crowned The Straits Times Athlete of the Year 2024 on April 5 for his achievements.

While this is Maeder’s fourth nomination, it is his first time winning the annual award that started in 2009 and is backed by isotonic drink 100Plus.

He edged out fellow nominees Yip Pin Xiu (swimming), boccia player Jeralyn Tan, darts player Paul Lim, golfer Shannon Tan and silat exponent Sheik Farhan Sheik Alau’ddin to claim the prize.

He could not attend the prize ceremony at The Straits Times office as he is competing overseas. Instead, Singapore Sailing Federation chief executive Leslie Tan received the award on his behalf from ST editor Jaime Ho and Yvon Lim, F&N Foods’ senior marketing manager, beverages.

Maeder said: “I am surprised out of the big pool of athletes that I’m the lucky one to get picked, and I’m honoured to receive the award. It’s always very nice to see in your journey recognition for the things that you put in, for the work that you put in.

“But this is not something I receive alone. It is something that I receive in unity with the people that stand by me and stand with me and stand behind me.”

His 2024 season began with a victory at the International Open Cup, followed by a winning streak that included

the World Championships.

After his Olympic bronze at the Marseille Marina, he went on to dominate the rest of his events,

claiming the Asian Championship,

the overall title in the KiteFoil World Series, and capping off his season with a win at the Youth European Championships.

Winston Seow, F&N Foods’ director, commercial, said: “This year’s nominees, through their unwavering commitment, have inspired us all and brought joy and glory to our nation.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Maximilian Maeder on his well-deserved win. His phenomenal 2024 season, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering perseverance, showcases the extraordinary potential of Singaporean athletes.”

Ho added: “Max’s story is an incredible one. Resilience, determination, and his unflinching pursuit of excellence. And at such a young age! His achievements on the world stage are of course a testament to this maturity.

“But beyond these accolades, it’s his willingness to connect with others through his sport and the impact of his success beyond the sporting arena that set him apart, making him a truly deserving winner of the award.

“Our congratulations go to his parents and family as well!”

Previously describing his 2024 season as feeling like two years, Maeder took some time off in the off-season.

“I didn’t focus on improving, I didn’t focus on having a lot of strength and conditioning, time on the water – it was just not a priority,” he said.

He went to his parents’ conservation project, a dive resort in Indonesia, where he went on several dives. He also travelled to Australia and enjoyed time in Singapore.

He said: “This was just for the sake of having a break, just to enjoy and the alleviation of that looming need to perform made it feel like a proper rest for one minute because I didn’t have that in 2022, 2023 and 2024.”