A look back at Paris Olympics 2024 with Max Maeder

·30 min·3 clips

Kite foiler Max Maeder's historic bronze medal headlines Singapore's sixth-ever Olympic medal, sparking a post-race interview about deflation and jubilation.

The episode begins with host Deepanraj Ganesan introducing the Paris 2024 Olympics as an unforgettable event, highlighting Team Singapore's performance and Max Maeder's bronze medal in kite foiling. Ganesan is joined by ST colleagues Kimberly Quek and Rohit Bhrishnath, who have been covering the Games in Paris. Quek describes the mood at Marseille Marina on August 9th, noting a sense of pride among Singaporean supporters despite Max's personal disappointment. She mentions the emotional scene of Max hugging his mother and the presence of many red-shirted Singaporeans, emphasizing the support on National Day. Bhrishnath adds that any medal is an achievement, referencing it as the first step on the podium for Max's young career. The reporters discuss Max's journey, his maturity at 17, and his competitive nature. Bhrishnath explains the increased competitiveness at the Olympics, citing examples of world champions who fail to win gold, like an Austrian athlete who unexpectedly won the kite foiling event. The conversation shifts to Team Singapore's overall campaign, with Bhrishnath noting that every athlete earned their place and mentioning performances like swimmer Gan Chi Mui's personal bests. They discuss the need for Singapore to adapt to rising global standards in sports. The reporters share their experiences in Paris, praising the venues like the Grand Palais for fencing and beach volleyball with the Eiffel Tower backdrop. The episode then transitions to an interview with Max Maeder conducted by Quek and Bhrishnath a day after his medal win. Max talks about the overwhelming positive messages he received, showing his phone filled with notifications. He explains why he cried after the race, citing his deviation from his competition plan and the wait to prove himself again. Max reflects on the Olympics as a platform for connection and sharing his sport with others. He discusses what he learned about himself, including the importance of gratitude and positive perspective. The interview concludes with Max separating his performance on the water from the public's joyful reaction, emphasizing the impact of his efforts on others. The episode ends with Ganesan expressing confidence that Max's medal is just the beginning for Singapore.

As heard by us

A clear, brisk account of Max Maeder's bronze and the Paris atmosphere around it.

Deepanraj Ganesan frames the Paris 2024 Olympics around Max Maeder's historic bronze, then broadens the view with Kimberly Quek and Rohit Bhrishnath so the moment feels tied to Team Singapore rather than a single result.

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Why you'd press play

You get Max Maeder's historic bronze, a Paris read, and the wider context around Team Singapore's Olympics.

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