‘I hope everyone back home is happy’: Singapore’s Max Maeder on his Olympic bronze

MARSEILLE: Maximilian Maeder was overwhelmed when speaking to reporters on Friday (Aug 9) after he clinched an Olympic bronze medal in the men’s kitefoiling event.
The Singaporean ended his country’s eight-year wait for an Olympic podium finish since swimmer Joseph Schooling won gold in 2016. 
Maeder, 17, has also become the youngest Singaporean to win an Olympic medal.
“I hope everybody back at home is happy. I’m overwhelmed by the support, it’s absolutely phenomenal. Happy birthday Singapore,” he told reporters.
Austria’s Valentin Bontus won the gold medal, while Slovenia’s Toni Vodisek, the opening series leader, took silver.
Both had entered Race 3 in the finals with two wins on the board. In the final, competitors need three race wins to secure gold – and it was the Austrian who got there first.
“Hats off to Valentin, monster performance in the finals, it can’t be put any other way. Hats off to Toni, that was a phenomenal opening series,” said Maeder.
“This medal is for you (Singapore). A momentous day, a medal for Singapore on its National Day,” he said.
“I don’t think I have enough time to express the gratitude for how much positivity has been thrown my way.”
But Maeder also revealed a hint of disappointment at the way events turned out, having gone into the Olympics as back-to-back world champion and a favourite for gold in some quarters.
“I’ll speak the truth and say I haven’t finished sulking, but I’m putting a smile on now,” he said.
“Not because I have to, but because of the way I feel and … I still need to process everything that’s going on because, yeah, it’s a lot.” 
Arriving on shore after his race, there were “very little words” as he hugged his mother Hwee Keng, said Maeder.
“More tears have been exchanged,” he added. 
Prior to the Olympics, Maeder had successfully defended his kitefoiling world title in May, as part of a winning streak that included the Asian Games and European Championships.
“(I still want to) continue doing what I enjoy and continue bringing this wonderful experience to all the people who support and follow me,” he said.
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