Gratitude, humility and the will to win: Max Maeder's journey to World Champion and Paris 2024
Kite foiling, one of the brand new sailing disciplines for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, is not for the faint of heart.
The sport combines aspects of paragliding, surfing, windsurfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, and wakeboarding, with athletes regularly reaching speeds upwards of 45 knots (51 mph/82 kmph) while their heart rates soar to 200 beats per minute.
A skilled kitesurfer must remain calm, even as the lactic acid builds up in their legs from sitting in a squatting position for 12 minutes, as they battle to control the kite and board simultaneously while maintaining balance and speed on the water.
All of these factors make the achievements of Max Maeder—a world, European and Asian champion—that much more spectacular.
At just 17 years old, the Singaporean has already built up a glittering resume. In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, Maeder explains how grateful he feels to simply be in the position to compete at the Games in the first place.
Maeder was born in Singapore in 2006 to a Singaporean mother and Swiss father. His father Valentin introduced Maeder to kiteboarding when he was six, and encouraged him to venture into kite foiling (a more advanced form of the sport) when he was 10; the youngster started competing in races when he was just 11.
So what made him fall in love with the sport?
"When I first started, it was the feeling of gliding on the surface of the water," Maeder says. "You're flying on top of this little underwater aeroplane, and the thrill I got from that was enticing.
"However, it changed to the love of competition, and the love of improving and achieving mastery in whatever your craft may be," he adds.
It's uncommon to hear a 17-year-old speak with such wisdom. Perhaps that's part of the reason why Maeder has ascended to elite status in his sport so quickly.
Maeder won his first competitive tournament in the Formula Kite Asian Championships in 2018, and has since reeled off an incredible streak of gold medals at the Youth World Championships ('21, '22, '23), Asian Games ('22), and European Championships ('21, '22, '24).
Maeder won his second consecutive World Championship in May, seeing off the challenge of world No.1 Riccardo Pianosi (ITA) to win gold in Hyeres, France. The victory was his fifth in a row dating back to the Formula Kite European Championships in March.
"(It feels) just as punchy as the first (world title)," Maeder said in an interview with the event's broadcaster following the race. "Just as emotional, just as tight, and this is rare but I'm at a loss for words, I'm just trying to process this right now."
The Singaporean's dominance in the sport has led many of his competitors to label him as 'unbeatable'—a claim that has stunned Maeder.
"Honestly, I'm completely flattered.
"I only have respect and admiration for all of my competitors...the fact they call me unbeatable is flattering, but isn't as rock-solid as it seems.
"I put a lot of pressure on myself," he adds. "If I don't do well, I know I'll sulk. So the idea is to not let that happen. I want to say that it's very natural, in the sense that there are good ways to deal with and use the pressure you put on yourself in a good way. It's not really destructive, in a sense."
But Maeder, who speaks three languages, also stresses the importance of the support he has received from his family, coach, training partner, and national federation throughout his career.
"I feel privileged because of the people that are around me, the way I grew up and the way that they support me is something that allowed me to earn [my success].
"Yes, I have put in the work, but so have many others. And I guess it's only the baseline for reaching a certain level. Everyone has the discipline and the ability to put in the time and effort. However my privilege is that my coach, my training partner, sponsors and federation have all propped me up in a very significant sense.
"As an athlete in Singapore, it doesn't get much better in terms of support than what I've received from the Singapore Sports Institute. They've given me a stable platform to training and compete, but it's not a given that you get these so readily. Before all of that support came in, my parents had the capability to send me out to go train and compete, which is also not a given.
Max Maeder of Singapore in action on his Mens Formula Kite board during a practice session ahead of the Paris 2024 Sailing Test Event at Marseille Marina on July 07, 2023 in Marseille, France.
In my opinion, the effort I put in is insignificant compared to how well I've been supported, which is why I feel so fortunate and so privileged. I really want to make the most out of my position to give back, in any way I can, from this to show my gratitude.
With Maeder's schedule primarily revolving around international competitions, the world champion shares what life is like on the road for a 17 year old kitesurfer.
"It's a different lifestyle. You have apartments or hotels, you have to organise logistics all the time. You learn to make friends with people who are older than you, and how to take care of yourself at a younger age.
"That's just what it is: independence, logistics, and realising that you don't have too many people around your age [to interact with]."
As the conversation turns to focus on the kiteboarding competition at Paris 2024, Maeder shares his excitement for competing in the waters of the Marseille Marina.
"It'll be a tough test, because very technical sailing is required. You need to pick when to go through the right position, you need to find the best wind, the best side, whatever it may be. So it'll be thrilling and exciting racing—I'm sure of that."
And what about his feelings on making his Olympic debut?
"You carry a certain level of pride, going into the Olympics, because you are a face of your nation, in a sense. You are a representative for your culture. And that type of responsibility and pride that you carry around everywhere, with the words 'Singapore Sailing' on your shirt, is an honour. Not to mention the grandeur of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and the level of weight that the competition carries!"
When asked about his goals for competing at Paris 2024, Maeder is straightforward and honest.
"Of course, I would like to do well, and I would be disappointed if it doesn't. But at the end of the day, my parent's tell me that I'm still Max Maeder before or after the Olympics, and they'll still love me the same.
"But I don't think I have the right to fear anything because of the position I'm in. So I'm just here to enjoy the pride in the competition."
It's a philosphy that has worked for Maeder on the continental and world stage for several years now, and will be put to the test once more at Paris 2024. The Olympics may be a new experience for him, but considering the wisdom and experience he has already accumulated at such a young age, do not be suprised to see Maximilian Maeder stand atop the podium in Marseille.