Singapore media faces criticism for linking Maximilian Maeder’s Olympic success to Edwin Tong

On Thursday (15 August), The Straits Times published an article titled “2021 meeting in Paris led to Max Maeder’s Olympic bronze medal“, reported that MCCY Minister Edwin Tong was introduced to Maximilian’s talent in 2021, which led to a series of supportive measures for his development.

In a Wednesday (14 August) interview, Edwin Tong explained that Maximilian’s aunt’s mention of his talent “struck a chord” with him. As Maximilian’s name kept coming up, Tong consulted with the Singapore Sailing Federation (SSF) and former SSF president Dr Ben Tan to keep Maximilian on their radar.

Tong recalled being impressed by Maximilian’s maturity and understanding of kitefoiling during their first meeting. He explored how to support Maximilian both sportingly and financially, paving the way for his competitiveness on the global stage.

The article detailed how organisations and individuals, including SSF, the National Youth Sports Institute (NYSI), and the Singapore Sport Institute (SSI), provided essential support to Maximilian.

The report also mentioned that Dr Tan, while still SSF chief in 2018, assessed Maximilian’s abilities and ensured ongoing support from the federation, leading to his inclusion in the prestigious spexScholarship programme in 2022.

Recognizing the need for additional support, Minister Tong connected the Maeder family with local beverage company Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo’s).

In March 2022, Yeo’s and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with Maximilian.

Although the financial details were not disclosed, the partnership supported Maximilian’s training, equipment, and personal development, with annual costs estimated at about €250,000 (S$374,000).

Minister Tong emphasized that “it takes a village” to raise an athlete, highlighting the collaboration between the athlete’s family, sports organizations, and the government in nurturing young talent.

He told ST: “We saw Max when he was competing in the juniors, we decided that he was someone who showed potential, and we wanted to support him as far as possible.

“In many cases, that would have been so for many other young athletes, some reach the potential, some become major Games athletes, others don’t. But our job is to ensure that we give the best support and allow each athlete to reach his or her own, no pun intended, max potential.”

Netizens’ reaction

Observing comments on ST’s Facebook post, some ST readers questioned the intentions behind the interview, criticizing the focus on Minister Edwin Tong’s involvement and suggesting that more attention should be given to supporting other athletes on the international stage.

A netizen wrote: “If the country want more medals, work on making the environment, the opportunities, the exposure and the challenges. Heroes are made not born.”

A comment sarcastically suggested that without Minister Tong, “Singapore would not have achieved a bronze medal at the Olympics.”

“Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines ministers should work harder to contact all their friends and relatives to check if their radar have potential medalist. Should learn from minister Dong and do their country proud.”

While some comments suggest that Minister Tong might be taking credit after the athletes’ achievements, Singaporean runner Soh Rui Yong, who holds six national records, defended the Minister.

Mr Soh stated that Minister Tong has genuinely supported athletes and is not merely seeking to claim credit.

In response to a netizen’s query, Mr. Soh shared that he has personally interacted with and worked with Minister Tong. He acknowledged that while he understands the skepticism, it stems from widespread disillusionment with other officials, which colors people’s perceptions.