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Singapore: Supporters and members of the sailing association gathered at Changi Airport to witness a rare sight – a Singaporean returning from the Olympics with a medal around his neck.
Kite flyer Maximilian Meder, Singapore’s youngest Olympic medalist The 17-year-old arrived in Singapore at around 6am on Tuesday (Aug 13) and appeared at the arrival area at around 6.25am to loud applause and cheers from a crowd of about 50 spectators.
Wearing the bronze medal he won at the Paris Olympics, he hugged his family, posed for pictures with supporters, signed autographs and even picked up a few young fans who had woken up at 4 a.m. to see their new sports idol.
With several orchid garlands around his neck, he accepted gifts from fans and was welcomed by Community, Culture and Youth Minister Edwin Tong.
“What has touched me the most is the positive response from everyone,” Med said upon arrival. “I can’t express to you how much it means to go through this journey with all of you here and how much it means to see that my efforts have had a positive impact.”
“I’m really looking forward to trying to repeat (such a feat) in any way possible.”
Among the children Medel met was six-year-old Caleb Tan.
He brought a sign that read “I skipped class to see Max Meder.”
“I was very happy because it was the first time I actually met Max Meder,” he said.
Caleb’s mother, Wendy Tan, said they have been following Med’s progress and her son is happy to see the Singaporean as a top medal contender.
She said that while she wanted her son to take a picture with Meder, she didn’t expect the teen to carry her son on his shoulders while holding a sign.
“I think it shows that he’s very friendly and approachable, and having a role model like Max is a great motivation for Caleb,” said the 35-year-old financial consultant.
“Although he is still young, we don’t know what impact this will have on his future,” she added.
She said that, as the sign suggested, Kaleb would skip classes and instead take a nap at home after waking up very early.
“It’s so touching… I can only imagine them getting up early to come see me, it really puts a smile on my face and brightens my day,” Meder said of the support from his young fans.
Shortly after Max appeared, sailor Ryan Lo also arrived and was cheered by the audience.
The 27-year-old finished 25th out of 43 competitors in the men’s dinghy race at the Paris Olympics.
He said Med’s achievement – winning Singapore’s first Olympic sailing medal – was an inspiration to the sailing community.
He said: “It has been a real blessing to see Max progress so much, I am very inspired to see his growth and I am so happy for him and the entire community in Singapore.”
Among the supporters was Afiq Azman, 31, who had only heard of kitesurfing at the Olympics because of Meder’s feat and decided to come and celebrate what he considered to be a “surprise medal”.
“I think his story inspires me more because he is our youngest ever (Olympic) medalist… He still has a long way to go in his career. So, we are always supporting him,” said Mr Afek, who works in the transport industry.
Bonnie, a junior, decided to skip class in the morning to visit Med and give him a card she made. She became a fan of Med not only for his medal-winning feat, but also for his spirit.
“His athleticism, philosophy and perspective are so inspiring,” she said.
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