Singapore’s Kai Minejima-Lee Soars to World Indoor Skydiving Glory

At just 16 years old, Singaporean indoor skydiver Kai Minejima-Lee has already achieved remarkable success in his sport, having won the solo freestyle open category at the World Cup of Indoor Skydiving in Macau last year. Competing against athletes from 11 countries, Kai displayed exceptional skill and athleticism, captivating the audience as he executed intricate maneuvers in a vertical wind tunnel. His performance lasted a mere ninety seconds, yet it solidified his status as a rising star in the sport.

Kai’s achievements did not go unnoticed. He was named Singapore Sports Boy of the Year 2025 in June, having amassed an impressive tally of 16 medals, including 10 gold, across various international competitions. To understand his journey, I met with Kai and his mother, Naomi Minejima, at iFly Singapore on Sentosa Island. This facility boasts one of the largest indoor wind tunnels in the world and served as the perfect backdrop for our conversation.

Stepping into the vertical tunnel, I quickly realized the challenges of indoor skydiving. While attempting to pose next to Kai for a photo, the winds of up to 270 km/h made it difficult to maintain my composure. Kai, in contrast, navigated the air with ease, performing front and back somersaults. Despite my struggles, he encouraged me with a genuine compliment, demonstrating his modesty and unassuming nature.

Reflecting on his victory in Macau, Kai revealed that he initially planned to compete in the junior category but was called up to replace a teammate who was injured. “It was daunting. The best competitors in the world were there,” he recalled, noting that many of the athletes were older and had previously coached him. He aimed to blend flexibility and power in his performance, which ultimately earned him the gold medal. He outperformed competitors such as James Rogers from the United States and Toms Evans from Latvia.

Kai’s passion for indoor skydiving began at a young age. On his seventh birthday, after years of pleading, he experienced his first flight at iFly Singapore. The moment he soared in the tunnel, he felt an instant connection. “I knew this was it, this was what I wanted,” he said, reminiscing about the joy of his first experience.

His adventurous spirit led him to perform at the National Day Parade in 2016, where he rode a unicorn 30 meters above the crowd. This early exposure to high-flying performances foreshadowed his future in indoor skydiving.

While balancing school and training, Kai trains two to three times a day. He transitioned to homeschooling after teachers at his international school recognized his advanced knowledge of the syllabus. This decision, supported by his mother, has allowed him the flexibility to travel for competitions while pursuing academic studies through online courses from institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Despite the rigorous schedule, which includes waking up at 4 a.m. for classes, Kai remains committed to his sport. He spends more time in the wind tunnel than at home, adapting to different environments as he trains around the world. “A lot of times, people think it’s nice being homeschooled, but I have less free time than you,” he noted, highlighting the challenges of his lifestyle.

Kai’s dedication faced a setback two years ago when he placed second in the junior category at the 2023 World Cup. This disappointment fueled his determination, and a year later, he returned to the World Cup stage as a champion in the open category.

With his recent triumph, Kai has ambitious goals for the future. He aims to remain at the forefront of indoor skydiving and is eager to innovate new moves. “My team and I are trying to grow the sport both in Singapore and overseas,” he expressed. One of his aspirations includes competing in the Southeast Asian Games as the sport gains traction in the region.

Throughout our conversation, it was clear that Kai deeply values his family, particularly his mother. “When things get tough for me, I think about how she manages everything, and it inspires me to keep going,” he shared. This support system extends to his new role as a coach, where he trains younger athletes in preparation for upcoming competitions.

Kai’s interests also reach beyond indoor skydiving. He has expressed a fascination with space and a desire to become an astronaut, emphasizing his love for physics and mathematics. As we concluded our meeting, he introduced himself simply: “I’m Kai, I’m 16. I spend most of my life flying.”

Kai Minejima-Lee’s journey exemplifies the potential of young athletes to achieve greatness while remaining grounded. With future competitions on the horizon and his aspirations to grow the sport, he is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of indoor skydiving.