‘I’m most overwhelmed’: Supporters turn up in their dozens to welcome home Olympic medallist Max Maeder

SINGAPORE: Supporters and members of the sailing fraternity gathered at Changi Airport in the wee hours to witness a rare sight – a Singaporean returning from the Olympics with a medal around his neck.

Kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder, Singapore’s youngest Olympic medallist at just 17, landed in Singapore at about 6am on Tuesday (Aug 13), and emerged in the arrival area at about 6.25am to jubilant applause and cheers from a crowd of about 50 people. 

He hugged family members, posed for pictures with supporters, signed autographs and even carried in his arms several young fans who had woken up as early as 4am to make the journey down to see their new sporting idol. 

He draped several orchid garlands around his neck, accepted gifts from fans and was also greeted by Minister for Community, Culture and Youth Edwin Tong. 

“I’m most overwhelmed by the fact of how positive the reception has been, I cannot express to you what it means to have a journey like this together with all the people here and to see that my efforts made a positive impact,” Maeder said to the media upon his arrival. 

“I very much look forward to trying to repeat (such a feat) in any way I can.” 

Among the children that met Maeder was six-year-old Caleb Tan. 

He had brought a sign saying “I skipped school to see Max Maeder”. 

“I feel happy, because this is my first time meeting Max Maeder for real,” he said. 

Caleb’s mother Wendy Tan said that they were following Maeder’s progress and his son became excited to see a Singaporean being a top contender for a medal. 

She said that while she hoped her son could have a picture with Maeder, she did not expect the teenager to hoist her son onto his shoulders with his sign. 

“I think that shows he’s very friendly and approachable, and it’s a good inspiration for (Caleb) to have a role model like Max,” said the 35-year-old financial consultant.

“Even though he’s still young, we don’t know what impact it would give him in the future,” she added.

She said that Caleb will be skipping school as the sign suggested, and take a nap at home instead after waking up so early. 

Maeder said of the support from young fans: “It’s so heartwarming … I can only imagine them getting out of bed early to see me (and) it really puts a smile on my face and it has made my day so good.”

Shortly after Max emerged, sailor Ryan Lo also arrived to cheers from the crowd. 

The 27-year-old finished 25th in a field of 43 in the men’s dinghy event at the Paris Olympics.

He said that Maeder’s achievement – winning the first Olympic medal for Singapore in sailing – was a feat that inspired the sailing fraternity. 

“To see how far (Max) has come is such a great blessing and I feel so motivated to see how much he has grown, and I’m just so happy for him and for the whole community in Singapore,” he said.