Max is a 18-year-old student of Aquinas College representing New Zealand at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

Max won his division at the Oceania Championships held in Brisbane in January 2018. During July 2018, Max will be racing in France competing in the RS:X youth world championships and will then travel to the United States to compete in the upcoming youth sailing world championships.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are on the radar for Max, but the Youth Olympics are his first ambition.

"The level in the sport is so high but I believe a realistic goal is top five [in Buenos Aires]," van der Zalm said. "I want to be in the top and fighting for a medal."

"I am looking forward to the entire experience, from meeting new friends to being involved in one of the biggest competitions in the world."

Having made good strides over the past 18 months, Max was inside the top 10 at last year's youth sailing world championships in China in his first major international regatta.

Max van der Zalm

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