Singapore star kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder won the Sportsman of the Year title for the first time at the Singapore Sports Awards ceremony held on Friday (June 20) night.
Previously, the 18-year-old had won Sportsboy of the Year honours for the last three years, but earned the top prize this time in recognition of a stellar 2024 season, including a historic Olympic bronze at the Paris Olympics.
His sensational season consisted of his title defence at Trofeo Princesa Sofia Regatta and Formula Kite European Championships open title.
He beat other nominees including Daphne Tan (bowling), Valencia Yip (kickboxing), Teh Xiu Hong (shooting), Nurdianna Sidek (silat) and Gan Ching Hwee (swimming).
The teenager, who was represented by his parents on his behalf, collected a cheque for S$10,000 (US$7,700) at the Singapore Sports Awards ceremony.
Grace Fu, who is also Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) president, said “Kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder had a season to remember in 2024, winning nearly every title available and capping it off with a bronze medal at the Olympic Games”.
Wushu exponent Zeanne Law sealed her maiden Sportswoman of the Year accolade, having won the Sportsgirl of the Year title in 2024. Among her highlights were two golds at the World Taijiquan Championships in August last year.
She beat fellow contenders Daphne Tan Shi Jing (Bowling), Valencia Yip Yin Tung (Kickboxing), Teh Xiu Hong (Shooting), Nurdianna Binte Sidek (Pencak Silat), Gan Ching Hwee (Swimming) to win the award.
In doing so, they also achieved a rare accomplishment, as they became the first athletes in two decades to claim both junior and senior honours in consecutive years.
Presented by SNOC as well as Sport Singapore, the Singapore Sports Awards recognise the most deserving individuals and teams in sports for a calendar year.
Kai Minejima Lee (indoor skydiving) and Charlotte Ng Leting (wushu) secured the Sportsboy and Sportsgirl of the Year awards respectively.
Meanwhile, the national netball team bagged the Team of the Year honour. Yeo Mee Hong, who led them to their first Asian triumph in 10 years, was also named Coach of the Year.
“From regional competitions to the grand stage of the Paris Olympic Games, our athletes stood shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best – proving that Singapore has earned its place on the global sporting map,” Fu added.
Also Read: Singapore Sports Awards 2025: Full List Of Finalists
Singapore Sports Awards 2025: List of winners
- Sportsman of the Year: Maximilian Maeder (Sailing)
- Sportswoman of the Year: Zeanne Law (Wushu)
- Sportsboy of the Year: Kai Minejima-Lee (Indoor Skydiving)
- Sportsgirl of the Year: Charlotte Ng (Wushu)
- Coach of the Year: Yeo Mee Hong (Netball)
- Team of the Year (event): Bowling Men’s Team (2024 Asian Bowling Championships)
- Team of the Year (sport): Netball team
