A Rare Double for Duo

Maeder and Law win main awards, to add to 2024's Sportsboy and Sportsgirl gongs

- Kimberly Kwek

Standout performances in 2024 saw Maximilian Maeder and Zeanne Law named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for the first time at the Singapore Sports Awards on June 20.

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.

Kitefoiler Maeder had previously won the Sportsboy of the Year award for three consecutive years, while wushu exponent Law picked up the Sportsgirl of the Year accolade in 2024.

Swimmer Mark Chay was the last male athlete to be crowned the 2001 Sportsboy and 2002 Sportsman, while sailor Joan Huang claimed the 1998 Sportsgirl and 1999 Sportswoman gongs.

Both Maeder and Law were not present at the annual awards ceremony at Swissotel The Stamford Singapore, as they are overseas preparing for upcoming competitions.

Though he is training in France, Maeder conveyed his appreciation and shared a few reflections through his parents Valentin and Teng Hwee Keng, who spoke to the media after the ceremony.

Valentin noted that Maeder also highlighted how meaningful it has been to see the impact of his journey, particularly after the Paris Olympics.