Singapore Olympic bronze medallist Maximilian Maeder secured gold in the men's kitefoiling event with a day of racing left, after a perfect run of 12 wins from 12 races. Photo: SportSG/Chanainut Thongratanachat
On paper, Maximilian Maeder’s SEA Games debut has been perfect – 12 wins out of as many races to secure kitefoiling gold with a day to spare.
The 19-year-old’s unbeaten run in the waters off Jomtien Beach in Pattaya means his rivals have no chance of taking the top spot.
“It's a pleasant surprise, a happy surprise,” said the reigning Sportsman of the Year. “I was so focused on the racing that I forgot that with this format, there is the mathematical win, and to be able to settle it on day three is amazing.”
But ask the Olympic bronze medallist, and he will tell you there were many unexpected turns a seasoned competitor like him could have improved on.
That includes racing with a kite that was not an ideal size for the conditions, as well as mistakes such as overshooting a start.
Maeder said: “These are the types of surprises that you get. The race course has brought very, very fun experiences. No matter the place of competition, somehow you always get some drama and excitement.”
As a two-time world champion, all eyes were on Maeder to perform at the regional regatta – not that he treated the competition with any less importance.
He said: “I've been just as stimulated as other regattas. They asked me, will it be easy? I said, maybe, but it's only if I give it my best. It's definitely a super, super difficult thing to maintain your highest level of performance, no matter what type of competition.
“I look at my performance and it's a bittersweet feeling, because there are things that I've learnt, which means that there are things that I didn't do well. Yes, I am proud of a clean track record so far. But performance-wise, I feel like there's always something to search for. I've slowly learnt to experience something like that, to be a little bit more diverse, not just being I'm happy about today or I'm sad about today.”
Maeder plans to take to the waters on Dec 17 with the same approach, to “extract” lessons from the races even if they are clear victories for him.
He said: “Absolutely, I will be competing on the last day, and I will finish all the races and be a sportsman. (There are) lessons that you could learn and things that you can bring with you. You will see me out on the waters tomorrow, and I will be trying my very best to get all those wins.”
When all that is done and dusted, a much-needed break awaits. Rest, family time, and hopefully, some time off the water and behind the wheel to earn a driver’s licence.
The 33rd SEA Games are held in Thailand from 9 to 20 December 2025. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.