Paris, 10 August 2024 – Team Singapore concluded its Paris 2024 Olympic campaign on a triumphant note, capturing the nation’s sixth Olympic medal. Seventeen-year-old kite foiler Maximilian Maeder earned a bronze in the men’s kite event off the coast of Marseilles yesterday, becoming Singapore’s first-ever Olympic sailing medalist.

A total of 23 athletes represented Singapore in Paris, with 15 making their Olympic debut. Competing against the world’s best, Team Singapore delivered outstanding performances, setting new records and achieving significant milestones.

Swimmer Gan Ching Hwee set two national records in the women’s 800m and 1500m events, becoming the first Singaporean female swimmer to do so at the Olympics since Tao Li in 2012. Shooter Teh Xiu Hong placed 12th out of 40 in the women’s 25m pistol qualification, narrowly missing the finals by just two points.

In badminton, Loh Kean Yew became the first Singaporean in two decades to reach the Olympic quarter-finals, while teammate Yeo Jiamin advanced to the round of 16. Meanwhile, Asian Games silver medalist Stephenie Chen achieved a milestone of her own, becoming the first Singaporean to reach the finals in the women’s 500m kayak event.

The Games showcased the promise of Singapore’s young athletes, with the team’s average age being just 24. Among the rising stars were paddler Izaac Quek, who qualified for the Olympics at 18, and teammate Zhou Jingyi at 19, joining Maximilian Maeder as emerging talents in the contingent.

Chef de mission Mr. Tan Wearn Haw expressed immense pride in the team’s achievements, stating, “The team’s performance in Paris has filled our nation with pride and joy. We are grateful to Singaporeans for their unwavering support, and to the people of France for being such gracious hosts. Max’s accomplishment is truly remarkable, leaving an indelible mark in Paris and gifting Singapore a most precious present on our National Day. We are incredibly proud of him and every member of the contingent. They brought us along on an incredible journey, and as we bid au revoir to Paris, I am looking forward to their road to LA28.”