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SINGAPORE: Following Maximilian Maeder’s podium finish at the Paris Games, Singapore leaders swiftly hailed his historic performance as the country’s youngest Olympic medallist.
Maeder, 17, clinched the kitefoiling bronze at the Marseille Marina in France on Friday (Aug 9).
It is Singapore’s first Olympic medal in eight years, and the country’s first sailing medal at an Olympics.
“There is a new wind in Singapore sports,” President Tharman Shanmugaratnam wrote on Facebook.
“A generation of young Singaporeans is taking their sports seriously, getting stronger support and reaching higher,” he added.
“They all show what we can achieve when we – parents especially – make room for our kids to develop themselves through sports. Let them find their own game in life, and support the choices they make.”
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong congratulated Maeder on the bronze, which came as Singapore celebrated its 59th year of independence.
“Just as we completed our celebrations at the parade, Max Maeder overcame the tough conditions at sea and became the youngest Singaporean to win an Olympic medal,” Mr Wong wrote.”Thank you for our beautiful birthday gift to Singapore!”
The last time Singapore clinched an Olympic medal was at the 2016 Rio Games when swimmer Joseph Schooling won gold in the 100m butterfly.
A two-time kitefoiling world champion, Maeder’s achievement takes Singapore’s medal tally in the history of the Games to six – one gold, two silver and three bronze.
President Tharman noted how Singapore’s sporting performance has progressed over the years.
“Just imagine – we had no Olympic medal for almost half a century after Tan Howe Liang’s silver medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics,” he wrote.
“Yet from 2008, TeamSG has now brought home three Olympic bronzes (including Max’s), a silver, and Joseph Schooling’s historic gold,” he added.
“Plus we have others like Loh Kean Yew reaching the quarter-finals in badminton in Paris, Yeo Jia Min almost making it, and kayaker Stephenie Chen reaching the semis. And Shanti topping Asia in the women’s sprints last year.”
International medals and awards will never come easily, Mr Tharman noted.
“But nothing beats the journey, the friends you make along the way, and the pain and joy of striving to achieve the goals you set for yourself,” he added.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong called it a double celebration for Singapore.
“Congratulations to Max and well done to all Team Singapore athletes who did their best at the Games! We are very proud of all of you. May this experience spur you to greater heights in all that you do!” Mr Lee said.
Others who praised Maeder’s effort included Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who congratulated his “East Coast resident”.
“Despite difficult wind conditions and multiple delays, Max put up a brilliant performance at his maiden Olympic Games,” Mr Heng said on Facebook.
He also thanked athletes representing Singapore on the international stage, saying: “Your indomitable spirit and sportsmanship are an inspiration to all of us this National Day. We are proud of you!”
Singapore Sailing and Sport Singapore (SportSG) also congratulated Maeder on securing the bronze medal.
Hailing the teenager’s “exceptional skill and composure” during the race, SportSG said: “What a way to celebrate National Day! A wonderful birthday gift!”
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