Singapore's Max Maeder

Max Maeder, a 17-year-old Singaporean kiteboarder, is poised to compete for gold in the Olympic finals of kiteboarding, an event making its Olympic debut in Marseille. Currently ranked No. 1 in the world and the reigning Formula Kite world champion, Maeder has already made history by advancing to the medal round, with Singapore hoping for its first Olympic medal since 2016. Additionally, Maeder stands to gain a significant financial reward of S$1 million if he wins gold, as part of Singapore's Major Games Award Programme. He currently ranks second behind Slovenia's Toni Vodisek, setting the stage for an exciting final showdown. Kiteboarding is noted for its speed and thrilling racing dynamics, which captivated spectators during the Olympic event. Maeder's journey in the sport began at a young age, and his rapid rise includes multiple championship titles, highlighting his potential to secure a historic win for Singapore.