Maximilian Maeder seals debut SEA Games kitefoiling gold with perfect record

PATTAYA, THAILAND: Singapore kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder has secured his first SEA Games gold medal, achieving the feat with one day of competition still remaining in the men’s formula kite event in Thailand.

Racing at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya on 16 December 2025, the Olympic bronze medallist won all four scheduled races of the day, extending his flawless record at the regatta.

After three days of racing, Maeder has claimed victory in all 12 races contested so far, leaving his closest rivals with no mathematical chance of catching him on the final day of competition on Wednesday.

Speaking after sealing the title, Maeder expressed satisfaction at closing out the gold medal early, while acknowledging his high personal standards.

“To be able to seal it on day three is amazing. The SEA Games gold is something I’ve always wanted to win for Singapore,” he said, adding that he was “super happy” to have confirmed the outcome ahead of schedule.

Kitefoiling is being contested at the SEA Games for the first time, making Maeder the inaugural champion in the men’s event at the regional multi-sport Games.

His victory represents the fourth sailing gold medal for Singapore at the Games in Thailand, following titles won by Ryan Lo in the men’s ILCA 7, Ethan Chia in the boys’ optimist, and Jania Ang in the women’s ILCA 6.

Despite his perfect scoreline, Maeder struck a reflective note when assessing his performances across the regatta, highlighting areas for further improvement.

“I look at my performance and it’s a bittersweet feeling. There are things which I’ve learnt which means that there are things that I didn’t do well,” he said.

“Yes, I’m proud of being on a clean track so far. But performance-wise, I always feel there’s more room to search for.”

The 19-year-old’s SEA Games appearance marks a notable milestone in his career, as he had never previously competed at the biennial event despite his extensive international experience.

Maeder rose to global prominence after winning a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, establishing himself as one of the leading figures in formula kite sailing.

He began 2025 by retaining his title at the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Regatta, one of the most prestigious events on the Olympic sailing calendar.

Later in the year, he successfully defended his Formula Kite European Championships open title, reinforcing his status among the world’s elite kitefoilers.

In June, Maeder was also named Sportsman of the Year at the Singapore Sports Awards, earning the accolade for the first time in his career.

However, his season has not been without challenges, particularly from Italian rival Riccardo Pianosi, who has emerged as a consistent threat in major competitions.

Pianosi edged Maeder at the French Olympic Week in April and again at the Formula Kite Youth European Championships in June.

The Singaporean also finished behind Pianosi at the Formula Kite World Championships in October, missing out on a third consecutive world title in the event.

At the IKA Youth World Championships in Portugal, which concluded on 1 November 2025, Maeder finished outside the top three, underlining the increasing competitiveness of the international field.

Despite those setbacks, Maeder said that competing at the SEA Games carried a unique significance, even compared with world championships and Olympic events.

“This is a Games environment. There’s a little bit more at stake, there’s a little bit more pride on the line,” he said.

“Everything is just at a higher level in terms of how much it matters. It feels special because of that.”

Maeder had previously won gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, but described the SEA Games as offering a different atmosphere due to its regional focus and team-based environment.