Singaporean kitefoiler and Olympic bronze medallist Max Maeder has been crowned champion at the 2024 Formula Kite Asian Championships in Daishan, China, on 22 September. Maeder, 17, clinched gold after winning eight out of 12 races in the opening series. This victory marks his second consecutive title since the Paris Olympics, following his triumph at the KiteFoil World Series in Austria on 8 September.
Background
Max Maeder’s recent win at the 2024 Formula Kite Asian Championships adds to his growing list of accolades. The young athlete has been making waves in the kitefoiling world, having previously placed second in 2023 and winning the championship in 2022. His consistent performance has solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor in the sport.
Ranked top in opening series
According to a Facebook post by the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) on 22 September, Maeder secured first place in the final ranking of the championship’s opening series. He dominated the competition by winning eight out of 12 races, with China’s Zhang Haoran finishing in second place. The subsequent races were cut short due to adverse weather conditions caused by a typhoon, which brought high waves and strong currents, making it impossible for the competition to continue. As a result, Maeder was automatically declared the champion based on his performance in the opening series.
Weather challenges
The typhoon’s impact on the competition was significant, with high waves and strong currents affecting all participants. Despite these challenges, Maeder remained composed and focused. When asked about the weather conditions, he remarked, “We are a sport in nature, it’s okay to have some drizzle. We are wet anyway.” His ability to stay calm under pressure and adapt to the elements played a crucial role in his victory.
Praise for competitors
Maeder also took the opportunity to commend his Chinese rivals, describing them as “really good,” “fearless,” and “definitely have guts.” His respect for his competitors highlights the high level of sportsmanship and mutual admiration among the athletes in the kitefoiling community.
Future prospects
With two consecutive titles under his belt since the Paris Olympics, Maeder’s future in kitefoiling looks promising. His recent victories not only demonstrate his skill and determination but also set the stage for further success in upcoming competitions. As he continues to compete and excel, the kitefoiling world will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this rising star.
