Fans, sailing fraternity show up bright and early to welcome home Olympic medallist Max Maeder

SINGAPORE: Supporters and members of the sailing fraternity gathered at Changi Airport on Tuesday (Aug 13) to witness a rare sight – a Singaporean returning from an Olympic Games with a medal around his neck.

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

Wearing the bronze medal which he won at the Paris Olympics, he hugged family members, posed for pictures with supporters, signed autographs and even picked up several young fans who had woken up as early as 4am to make the journey down to see their new sporting idol. 

Several orchid garlands were placed around his neck, he 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 had not expected the teenager to hoist her son onto his shoulders with his sign. 

“I think