Latest news with #FormulaKite
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Max Maeder defends European kitefoiling crown; Amos Yee's parole breach extends US prison stay: Singapore live news
And that's a wrap. Thanks for tuning in. We'll catch y'all again next week. Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news. In a thrilling finale at the Formula Kite European Championships in Urla, Turkey, Singapore's Maximilian Maeder defended his title with two decisive race wins on Monday (19 May). Facing formidable opponents like Italy's Riccardo Pianosi, Maeder's tactical acumen and calm under pressure propelled him to the top of the podium. This victory underscores his dominance in the sport and sets the stage for future international competitions. Amos Yee, a 26-year-old Singaporean, is back in the headlines as his US parole is delayed to November 2025 after a violation. Convicted of grooming a teenage girl and possessing child pornography, Yee was re-arrested just a month after his early release in October 2023. Now housed in Danville Correctional Centre, he faces potential lifelong monitoring. His controversial past, from Singapore jail time to US asylum, keeps him under scrutiny. Listed on the sex offender registry, Yee's actions remain public. More on Amos Yee's unfolding legal drama here. Lev Panfilov, a Singapore TikToker and former Wah!Banana actor, was sentenced to 11½ years in jail and 12 strokes of the cane for raping a woman he met on Tinder. The assault occurred in 2021 after a scriptwriting meet up turned violent in his bedroom. The victim, an aspiring comedy writer, endured a gruelling 13-day cross-examination during the trial. Panfilov's attempt to flee Singapore mid-trial fuelled the prosecution's case against his lack of remorse. Justice Pang Khang Chau praised the victim's convincing testimony while dismissing Panfilov's inconsistent defence. The case ignited public outrage, particularly over victim-shaming comments from a former Law Society official. Panfilov plans to appeal his conviction and sentence. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singapore's kitefoiling champion, Maximilian Maeder, successfully retained his Formula Kite European Championships title in Urla, Turkey, on Monday (19 May). The 18-year-old athlete clinched victory by winning two consecutive races in the medal series, overcoming early challenges and fierce competition. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Int. Kiteboarding Association (@kiteclasses) Maeder's journey to the top was marked by resilience and strategic brilliance. Despite facing equipment issues and intense pressure, he maintained focus and executed flawless performances in the final races. His ability to stay composed under duress was instrumental in securing the championship. The victory adds to Maeder's impressive list of achievements, including a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and multiple international titles. His consistent excellence in the sport has solidified his reputation as a leading figure in kitefoiling. Looking ahead, Maeder's sights are set on upcoming competitions, where he aims to continue his winning streak and further elevate Singapore's presence in the global sailing community. Lev Panfilov, a 29-year-old TikToker and former Wah!Banana actor, received 11½ years in jail and 12 strokes of the cane on Monday (19 May), for raping a woman he met on Tinder. The assault unfolded in his bedroom on 12 January 2021, after a scriptwriting session went horribly wrong. The victim, a 30-year-old aspiring comedy writer, bravely testified, earning praise from Justice Pang Khang Chau as an 'unusually convincing' witness. Panfilov's defence crumbled under inconsistencies, with the judge dismissing his claim of consensual sex. The prosecution slammed his lack of remorse, citing a 13-day cross-examination ordeal for the victim and a sneaky attempt to flee Singapore mid-trial using a new Russian passport. The high-profile case stirred public outrage, especially after victim-shaming comments from a former Law Society vice-president drew sharp criticism. Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam condemned such remarks, emphasising zero tolerance for misogyny. Panfilov, now in custody, plans to appeal. The victim's ordeal began at a Robertson Quay restaurant, where she and Panfilov worked on her comedy script before heading to his flat. There, a discussion about comedians turned into a nightmare assault, leaving her in physical and emotional pain. Amos Yee, the Singaporean convicted of child sex offenses, will stay locked up until November 2025 after breaking parole rules. The 26-year-old, once a teenage blogger, was re-arrested just a month after his early release in October 2023. The Illinois Department of Corrections cites a parole violation, with Yee now facing up to lifelong supervision. Yee's troubles trace back to 2019, when he groomed a 14-year-old girl online, leading to a six-year sentence in 2021. After fleeing Singapore in 2016 to avoid national service, he gained US asylum but couldn't stay out of trouble. His brief parole stint ended with a return to Danville Correctional Centre, a medium-security prison. Details of Yee's parole violation remain under wraps, but the consequences are clear: another six months behind bars. His discharge date, when parole could end, ranges from three years to life. As a registered sex offender, Yee's details are public, keeping his case in the headlines. Yee's history includes jail time in Singapore for controversial remarks. His US legal battles, however, are far graver, involving grooming and child pornography charges. The ongoing scrutiny of his actions suggests a long road ahead. Read on what led to Amos Yee's latest setback here. The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is bigger than politics, says Malaysia's Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. He assured investors the initiative will outlive administrations – even his own. Speaking to business delegates in Kuala Lumpur, Rafizi said momentum must not be lost to elections or reshuffles. 'The last thing we need is for all the excitement to go to waste,' he noted. His comments follow rising speculation over his future in Cabinet as he contests for his party's deputy presidency. Despite that, he stressed JS-SEZ remains a long-term national priority. Backed by six major banks and RM2.35 billion (S$708 million) in early interest, the zone is off to a promising start. It spans 3,571 sq km and targets 11 economic sectors. Rafizi also teased a forthcoming blueprint – a comprehensive roadmap meant to guide investors and policymakers for years to come. Read on why Rafizi says JS-SEZ will outlast politics here. Malaysian-born comedian Ronny Chieng is officially an American citizen – and he's got jokes. Comparing the move to joining the 'evil empire', Chieng poked fun at his timing and motivation in a recent Variety Awards Circuit podcast appearance. Chieng, a correspondent for "The Daily Show", said becoming a US citizen in 2024 was a pragmatic choice, not a political endorsement. 'It just so happened the evil empire had great TV and stand-up comedy,' he quipped, likening America to the Death Star. The funnyman emphasised that his decision stemmed from a long-term plan to build a career in US comedy. 'I've been trying to come back here since I was seven,' he said. 'This has been 30 years in the making.' Chieng also took aim at the American political climate, describing Donald Trump's presence in US life as an ongoing 'car wreck.' Having joined "The Daily Show" in 2015, Chieng says 'Trump chaos' has defined his entire tenure. Now a Netflix headliner with a hit special and another in the works, Chieng's take on America is part satire, part hard truth – and entirely on brand. 'If you want to be in the Death Star,' he said, 'you might as well grab a mic.' Read on why Chieng became an American here. Who's paying Elon Musk for a blue check these days? According to the Tech Transparency Project (TTP), over 200 X users linked to US-designated terrorist groups. The report details how accounts tied to Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, and others are paying for premium X services – gaining access to extended posts, monetisation tools, and wider distribution. That includes users under US sanctions enforced by the Treasury Department. Yet some of these accounts are ID-verified by X, giving them even more legitimacy. X says its policies bar such users, but enforcement appears patchy at best. Many of the same accounts were banned after a similar 2024 expose – yet they've resurfaced. TTP's findings now reignite calls for accountability. If satire accounts can be banned in seconds, why can sanctioned terrorists buy a megaphone? Read on how Musk's X is letting extremists buy influence here. After the horrific deaths of two beloved community cats, Shere Khan and King Kong, Singaporeans are mad – and not just online. A recent Yahoo Singapore poll poll, as of this writing, found that nearly 691 respondents (94%) believe our animal cruelty laws are too weak. Only around 22 people (3%) believe Singapore doesn't need stricter animal cruelty laws, while 15 individuals (2%) say they have another opinion on the matter. With over 900 cruelty cases logged in 2024, people are losing patience. The killers of pets often walk away with a slap on the wrist – and voters want that to change. Even ministers are weighing in. Current laws allow a maximum jail term of 18 months and a $15,000 fine – but most abusers receive less. Citizens are calling for change, and Parliament may soon have no choice but to listen. Singaporean authorities confirmed they've blocked all poultry imports from Brazil's bird flu-hit zones. The deadly strain – capable of wiping out flocks in days – was detected in Brazil's largest chicken-producing region. Singapore's long-held policy of diversifying food imports is paying off, avoiding over-reliance on any single source. With over 30 poultry import partners, the nation is agile in navigating sudden disruptions like this one. The move protects both supply chains and public health, even as other nations scramble to catch up. Read on Singapore assuring the public amid Brazil's bird flu outbreak here. Lady Gaga's Singapore concert turned into a full-circle fantasy for drag performer Lady Gagita, who scored a viral selfie with her idol mid-show. During the pop diva's 18 May gig at the National Stadium – the first of four nights – Gaga stunned 47,000 fans with a high-drama, opera-style set before spotting a familiar face in the VIP pit. That face? Lady Gagita, dressed in a red 'Mayhem'-inspired gown, who's been impersonating Gaga for over a decade. The 31-year-old winner of "Drag Den Philippines" had front-row seats – and destiny. Gaga paused her performance, walked toward her, and posed for a selfie, much to the crowd's roaring delight. The concert itself was peak Gaga: five acts, 22 songs, countless costumes. She kicked things off in a towering Tudor-style gown and closed with fan-favourite bangers like "Alejandro", during which she unfurled the Singapore flag over her stage set. Fans called the night 'intimate, electric, and unforgettable.' Gaga also walked down to the floor to meet fans, accept flowers, and sign autographs. One concertgoer said, 'Even from afar, we felt close to her.' Her heartfelt shoutout to Singapore – 'You're so special to me' – sealed the emotional energy of the night. Lady Gagita's emotional post summed it up best: 'Waited 15 years and now destiny happened. You've changed my life forever.' Just one night in, Gaga's Singapore stop is already legendary. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lady Gagita (@ladygagitaofficial) A 20-year-old Singaporean, Malone Lam, has been charged in the United States with orchestrating a US$263 million cryptocurrency crime ring that laundered stolen digital assets using stuffed toys and luxury spending. Lam, who pleaded not guilty in a Washington DC court, allegedly stole US$230 million from a single victim – using the proceeds on supercars, nightclubs, and multimillion-dollar homes. Lam and co-conspirator Conor Flansburg allegedly led a 13-member crew that targeted crypto wallets, converting stolen digital assets into US dollars. The funds were then shipped across the country – hidden inside plush 'Squishmallow' toys. Authorities say the group formed their alliance through online gaming. The indictment reveals shocking levels of extravagance: Lam reportedly spent half a million dollars per night at clubs and bought at least 28 luxury vehicles, some worth over US$3 million. Prosecutors also allege the gang committed home burglaries to steal hardware wallets from victims. Despite being arrested in September, Lam is said to have continued running the syndicate from jail, sending instructions and receiving gifts via associates. His girlfriend in Miami reportedly received designer bags bought with stolen funds. If convicted, Lam faces over 20 years behind bars under the RICO Act and could be fined up to $250,000 or twice the amount of his alleged illegal earnings. His trial is set for October. Singapore is bracing for a major political shift as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong prepares to unveil a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle, marking the rise of the 4G leadership. With veterans like Heng Swee Keat, Teo Chee Hean, and Ng Eng Hen stepping down, heavyweight portfolios such as defence and economic policy are up for grabs. The reshuffle of key ministries is expected to see the rise of fourth-generation (4G) leaders, a second deputy prime minister, alongside Gan Kim Yong, and the inclusion of fresh faces from both the public and private sectors. Likely candidates for promotion include Chan Chun Sing and Desmond Lee, both tipped for higher responsibilities amid high-profile retirements. Political watchers believe this transition comes at a pivotal time, following the People's Action Party's (PAP) strong 2025 election showing. With a firm mandate of 65.57 per cent in the latest general election, Wong has the political capital to reshape his team for a new era. Younger MPs and more women are anticipated to enter junior political office, continuing a trend toward greater diversity. With key positions in flux, all eyes are on who will step up to shape Singapore's next chapter. Read on PM Wong's upcoming Cabinet revamp here. Singapore's kitefoiling champion, Maximilian Maeder, successfully retained his Formula Kite European Championships title in Urla, Turkey, on Monday (19 May). The 18-year-old athlete clinched victory by winning two consecutive races in the medal series, overcoming early challenges and fierce competition. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Int. Kiteboarding Association (@kiteclasses) Maeder's journey to the top was marked by resilience and strategic brilliance. Despite facing equipment issues and intense pressure, he maintained focus and executed flawless performances in the final races. His ability to stay composed under duress was instrumental in securing the championship. The victory adds to Maeder's impressive list of achievements, including a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and multiple international titles. His consistent excellence in the sport has solidified his reputation as a leading figure in kitefoiling. Looking ahead, Maeder's sights are set on upcoming competitions, where he aims to continue his winning streak and further elevate Singapore's presence in the global sailing community. Lev Panfilov, a 29-year-old TikToker and former Wah!Banana actor, received 11½ years in jail and 12 strokes of the cane on Monday (19 May), for raping a woman he met on Tinder. The assault unfolded in his bedroom on 12 January 2021, after a scriptwriting session went horribly wrong. The victim, a 30-year-old aspiring comedy writer, bravely testified, earning praise from Justice Pang Khang Chau as an 'unusually convincing' witness. Panfilov's defence crumbled under inconsistencies, with the judge dismissing his claim of consensual sex. The prosecution slammed his lack of remorse, citing a 13-day cross-examination ordeal for the victim and a sneaky attempt to flee Singapore mid-trial using a new Russian passport. The high-profile case stirred public outrage, especially after victim-shaming comments from a former Law Society vice-president drew sharp criticism. Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam condemned such remarks, emphasising zero tolerance for misogyny. Panfilov, now in custody, plans to appeal. The victim's ordeal began at a Robertson Quay restaurant, where she and Panfilov worked on her comedy script before heading to his flat. There, a discussion about comedians turned into a nightmare assault, leaving her in physical and emotional pain. Amos Yee, the Singaporean convicted of child sex offenses, will stay locked up until November 2025 after breaking parole rules. The 26-year-old, once a teenage blogger, was re-arrested just a month after his early release in October 2023. The Illinois Department of Corrections cites a parole violation, with Yee now facing up to lifelong supervision. Yee's troubles trace back to 2019, when he groomed a 14-year-old girl online, leading to a six-year sentence in 2021. After fleeing Singapore in 2016 to avoid national service, he gained US asylum but couldn't stay out of trouble. His brief parole stint ended with a return to Danville Correctional Centre, a medium-security prison. Details of Yee's parole violation remain under wraps, but the consequences are clear: another six months behind bars. His discharge date, when parole could end, ranges from three years to life. As a registered sex offender, Yee's details are public, keeping his case in the headlines. Yee's history includes jail time in Singapore for controversial remarks. His US legal battles, however, are far graver, involving grooming and child pornography charges. The ongoing scrutiny of his actions suggests a long road ahead. Read on what led to Amos Yee's latest setback here. The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is bigger than politics, says Malaysia's Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. He assured investors the initiative will outlive administrations – even his own. Speaking to business delegates in Kuala Lumpur, Rafizi said momentum must not be lost to elections or reshuffles. 'The last thing we need is for all the excitement to go to waste,' he noted. His comments follow rising speculation over his future in Cabinet as he contests for his party's deputy presidency. Despite that, he stressed JS-SEZ remains a long-term national priority. Backed by six major banks and RM2.35 billion (S$708 million) in early interest, the zone is off to a promising start. It spans 3,571 sq km and targets 11 economic sectors. Rafizi also teased a forthcoming blueprint – a comprehensive roadmap meant to guide investors and policymakers for years to come. Read on why Rafizi says JS-SEZ will outlast politics here. Malaysian-born comedian Ronny Chieng is officially an American citizen – and he's got jokes. Comparing the move to joining the 'evil empire', Chieng poked fun at his timing and motivation in a recent Variety Awards Circuit podcast appearance. Chieng, a correspondent for "The Daily Show", said becoming a US citizen in 2024 was a pragmatic choice, not a political endorsement. 'It just so happened the evil empire had great TV and stand-up comedy,' he quipped, likening America to the Death Star. The funnyman emphasised that his decision stemmed from a long-term plan to build a career in US comedy. 'I've been trying to come back here since I was seven,' he said. 'This has been 30 years in the making.' Chieng also took aim at the American political climate, describing Donald Trump's presence in US life as an ongoing 'car wreck.' Having joined "The Daily Show" in 2015, Chieng says 'Trump chaos' has defined his entire tenure. Now a Netflix headliner with a hit special and another in the works, Chieng's take on America is part satire, part hard truth – and entirely on brand. 'If you want to be in the Death Star,' he said, 'you might as well grab a mic.' Read on why Chieng became an American here. Who's paying Elon Musk for a blue check these days? According to the Tech Transparency Project (TTP), over 200 X users linked to US-designated terrorist groups. The report details how accounts tied to Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, and others are paying for premium X services – gaining access to extended posts, monetisation tools, and wider distribution. That includes users under US sanctions enforced by the Treasury Department. Yet some of these accounts are ID-verified by X, giving them even more legitimacy. X says its policies bar such users, but enforcement appears patchy at best. Many of the same accounts were banned after a similar 2024 expose – yet they've resurfaced. TTP's findings now reignite calls for accountability. If satire accounts can be banned in seconds, why can sanctioned terrorists buy a megaphone? Read on how Musk's X is letting extremists buy influence here. After the horrific deaths of two beloved community cats, Shere Khan and King Kong, Singaporeans are mad – and not just online. A recent Yahoo Singapore poll poll, as of this writing, found that nearly 691 respondents (94%) believe our animal cruelty laws are too weak. Only around 22 people (3%) believe Singapore doesn't need stricter animal cruelty laws, while 15 individuals (2%) say they have another opinion on the matter. With over 900 cruelty cases logged in 2024, people are losing patience. The killers of pets often walk away with a slap on the wrist – and voters want that to change. Even ministers are weighing in. Current laws allow a maximum jail term of 18 months and a $15,000 fine – but most abusers receive less. Citizens are calling for change, and Parliament may soon have no choice but to listen. Singaporean authorities confirmed they've blocked all poultry imports from Brazil's bird flu-hit zones. The deadly strain – capable of wiping out flocks in days – was detected in Brazil's largest chicken-producing region. Singapore's long-held policy of diversifying food imports is paying off, avoiding over-reliance on any single source. With over 30 poultry import partners, the nation is agile in navigating sudden disruptions like this one. The move protects both supply chains and public health, even as other nations scramble to catch up. Read on Singapore assuring the public amid Brazil's bird flu outbreak here. Lady Gaga's Singapore concert turned into a full-circle fantasy for drag performer Lady Gagita, who scored a viral selfie with her idol mid-show. During the pop diva's 18 May gig at the National Stadium – the first of four nights – Gaga stunned 47,000 fans with a high-drama, opera-style set before spotting a familiar face in the VIP pit. That face? Lady Gagita, dressed in a red 'Mayhem'-inspired gown, who's been impersonating Gaga for over a decade. The 31-year-old winner of "Drag Den Philippines" had front-row seats – and destiny. Gaga paused her performance, walked toward her, and posed for a selfie, much to the crowd's roaring delight. The concert itself was peak Gaga: five acts, 22 songs, countless costumes. She kicked things off in a towering Tudor-style gown and closed with fan-favourite bangers like "Alejandro", during which she unfurled the Singapore flag over her stage set. Fans called the night 'intimate, electric, and unforgettable.' Gaga also walked down to the floor to meet fans, accept flowers, and sign autographs. One concertgoer said, 'Even from afar, we felt close to her.' Her heartfelt shoutout to Singapore – 'You're so special to me' – sealed the emotional energy of the night. Lady Gagita's emotional post summed it up best: 'Waited 15 years and now destiny happened. You've changed my life forever.' Just one night in, Gaga's Singapore stop is already legendary. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lady Gagita (@ladygagitaofficial) A 20-year-old Singaporean, Malone Lam, has been charged in the United States with orchestrating a US$263 million cryptocurrency crime ring that laundered stolen digital assets using stuffed toys and luxury spending. Lam, who pleaded not guilty in a Washington DC court, allegedly stole US$230 million from a single victim – using the proceeds on supercars, nightclubs, and multimillion-dollar homes. Lam and co-conspirator Conor Flansburg allegedly led a 13-member crew that targeted crypto wallets, converting stolen digital assets into US dollars. The funds were then shipped across the country – hidden inside plush 'Squishmallow' toys. Authorities say the group formed their alliance through online gaming. The indictment reveals shocking levels of extravagance: Lam reportedly spent half a million dollars per night at clubs and bought at least 28 luxury vehicles, some worth over US$3 million. Prosecutors also allege the gang committed home burglaries to steal hardware wallets from victims. Despite being arrested in September, Lam is said to have continued running the syndicate from jail, sending instructions and receiving gifts via associates. His girlfriend in Miami reportedly received designer bags bought with stolen funds. If convicted, Lam faces over 20 years behind bars under the RICO Act and could be fined up to $250,000 or twice the amount of his alleged illegal earnings. His trial is set for October. Singapore is bracing for a major political shift as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong prepares to unveil a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle, marking the rise of the 4G leadership. With veterans like Heng Swee Keat, Teo Chee Hean, and Ng Eng Hen stepping down, heavyweight portfolios such as defence and economic policy are up for grabs. The reshuffle of key ministries is expected to see the rise of fourth-generation (4G) leaders, a second deputy prime minister, alongside Gan Kim Yong, and the inclusion of fresh faces from both the public and private sectors. Likely candidates for promotion include Chan Chun Sing and Desmond Lee, both tipped for higher responsibilities amid high-profile retirements. Political watchers believe this transition comes at a pivotal time, following the People's Action Party's (PAP) strong 2025 election showing. With a firm mandate of 65.57 per cent in the latest general election, Wong has the political capital to reshape his team for a new era. Younger MPs and more women are anticipated to enter junior political office, continuing a trend toward greater diversity. With key positions in flux, all eyes are on who will step up to shape Singapore's next chapter. Read on PM Wong's upcoming Cabinet revamp here.
Independent Singapore
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Independent Singapore
Max Maeder wins European Open for the 2nd year in a row
SINGAPORE: Maximilian Maeder, Singapore's youngest Olympic medallist to date, emerged triumphant on Monday (May 19), winning the 2025 Formula Kite European Championships in Urla, Turkey. Winning the event did come easily for the 18-year-old Maeder, who crashed in the opening series. Moreover, he touched kites with Italy's Riccardo Pianosi in the first round of the grand final. After officials reviewed clips of the incident, Pianosi was penalised, resulting in a win for Maeder in that round. The Singaporean then went on to win the following race, which clinched the championship for him. Pianosi was declared European Champion, with Switzerland's Gian Andrea Stragiotti and Greece's Cameron Maramenides crowned European silver and bronze medalists, respectively. 'Max had an amazing race, he sailed clear, especially in that first race, and I'm happy for him,' Pianosi said after the race. Maeder, meanwhile, was equally generous and praised his competitors: 'It's a really great experience to have outstanding competitors. I was pushed to my limits by the people around me, Riccardo especially. They bring out the best in me,' he said. The victory must have been especially meaningful for Maeder after a recent shoulder injury. According to a May 19 post from DBS, for which Maeder is a brand ambassador, the athlete sustained a partial shoulder dislocation just a few weeks ago. 'Today, he stands victorious on the podium,' DBS noted, adding, 'His resilience wasn't just about getting back in the game—but pushing past limits, trusting the process, and showing up stronger than before.' On its Facebook and Instagram pages, DBS shared a video of Maeder's journey through his recovery. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DBS Bank (@dbsbank) Last year, the athlete gave Singapore a gift on National Day in the form of a bronze medal from the Paris Olympics for the Men's Formula Kite event. Since that historic win, he has only gone from strength to strength. In September, the Singaporean kitesurfer emerged as champion after winning 11 out of 12 races at the Austrian leg of the IKA KiteFoil World Series at Lake Traunsee. Later that month, he took home his next gold at the 2024 Formula Kite Asian Championships in Daishan, China. In October, Maeder made it a three-peat, winning the overall title at the World Series on the final day at Kitefoil World Series Sardinia, in Italy . Maeder, the oldest of three brothers, started kiteboarding at six and took up kitefoiling when he was just 10 years old. In 2018, he won his first competitive tournament in the Formula Kite Asian Championships. His mother, Hwee Keng, 52, is Singaporean, while his father, Valentin, 60, is from Switzerland. They both work at Wakatobi Dive Resort on the island of Sulawesi, which is part of Indonesia. The two helped build the resort. /TISG Read also: Max Maeder to serve curry puffs as promised after winning the Young World Sailor of the Year award
CNA
19-05-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Singapore star kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder wins European Championships, retains title
SINGAPORE: Singapore star kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder successfully defended his Formula Kite European Championships title on Monday (May 19) after holding his nerve to snatch victory on the final day of racing. The 18-year-old pipped Italy's Ricardo Pianosi, winning the first two races in the medal series to take the crown. In the opening series, Pianosi topped the fleet with 18 nett points, landing him one match point and automatic qualification to the medal series. 18-year-old Maeder scored 40 nett points and placed second, which meant that he too qualified automatically. Going into the final day of racing in Urla, Türkiye, Pianosi needed just one more match point in the four-man final to take the title. However, it was the Singaporean who kept his nerve and sealed the victory after two straight race wins. Pianosi took silver and Switzerland's Gian Andrea Stragiotti the bronze. Maeder started the year by retaining his title at Trofeo Princesa Sofia Regatta in Palma, Mallorca, last month. He finished ahead of Pianosi and Austria's Valentin Bontus. The Singaporean then took silver at the French Olympic Week event in Hyeres, France, in late April behind Pianosi. The world's top-ranked kitefoiler had a sensational run of form in 2024. In August last year, he ended Singapore's eight-year wait for an Olympic podium finish since swimmer Joseph Schooling won gold in 2016. Maeder, then 17, also became Singapore's youngest Olympic medallist. He then went on to win four consecutive titles after his bronze showing in France, taking the Austrian leg of the KiteFoil World Series, the 2024 Formula Kite Asian Championships in Daishan, China, the Italian leg of the Kitefoil World Series and the Formula Youth European Championships in October. Maeder's compatriot Ryan Lo notched a significant milestone at the ILCA 7 Men's World Championships in Qingdao, China, over the weekend.
