Singapore’s Kai Minejima-Lee Soars as World Indoor Skydiving Champion

At just 16 years old, Singaporean indoor skydiver Kai Minejima-Lee has achieved remarkable success, recently being crowned champion at the 2024 World Cup of Indoor Skydiving held in Macau. Competing against athletes from 11 countries, Kai secured the top position in the solo freestyle open category, showcasing his incredible talent inside a vertical wind tunnel. During a thrilling ninety-second performance, he executed a series of impressive maneuvers, including pikes and twists, while an enthusiastic crowd cheered him on.

Kai’s accomplishments over the past year have been nothing short of extraordinary. He earned 16 medals, including 10 gold, across various international competitions, leading to his recognition as Singapore Sports Boy of the Year 2025 in June. To gain insights into his journey, I met Kai and his mother, Naomi Minejima, at iFly Singapore, an indoor skydiving facility located on Sentosa Island. The experience provided a firsthand look at the challenges and joys of flying, as I attempted to match Kai’s effortless grace in the wind tunnel.

Stepping into the vertical tunnel, I quickly realized that indoor skydiving is far more challenging than it appears. The powerful winds, which can reach speeds of up to 270 km/h, created a turbulent environment where maintaining control proved difficult. As I struggled to find my footing, Kai effortlessly performed somersaults, embodying the skill of a true athlete. After our session, his encouraging words, “You did well,” highlighted his humility and grounded nature.

Reflecting on his breakthrough performance in Macau, Kai mentioned that he was originally set to compete in the junior category. However, an injury to his teammate, Kyra Poh, led him to step up and compete against seasoned athletes, some of whom had previously coached him. “It was daunting,” Kai recalled, noting the significant challenge of facing older, more experienced competitors. He aimed to blend different styles to create a unique performance, ultimately earning gold by surpassing American competitor James Rogers and Latvian Toms Evans.

From Dreams to Reality

Kai’s journey into indoor skydiving began on his seventh birthday, when he convinced his parents to take him to iFly Singapore. Clad in a blue jumpsuit, Kai eagerly awaited his turn, only to be playfully told by his parents that it was time to head home. “I almost cried,” he laughed, recalling the moment. Once inside the tunnel, he immediately fell in love with the sensation of flight, recognizing that this was his passion.

His affinity for heights was further demonstrated when he participated in the National Day Parade in 2016, performing atop a “flying” unicorn. The event required agility and courage, qualities that Kai possessed in abundance. Such experiences have shaped his journey, propelling him into a future filled with potential.

Training demands are rigorous for Kai. During competition season, he trains two to three times a day, balancing his sporting commitments with his education. Initially enrolled in an international school, Kai found himself ahead of his peers academically. Bored with the standard curriculum, his teachers recommended homeschooling, a decision that his parents embraced after thorough consideration.

Kai’s father, Benjamin Lee, a strategic communications consultant, and his mother have supported his unconventional education path. Homeschooling allows him the flexibility to travel and compete globally, which he does four to five times a year. “I spend more time in the tunnel than at home,” he noted, illustrating the dedication required to excel in his sport.

Kai’s rigorous schedule leaves little room for relaxation. While his peers enjoy downtime after school, he often finds himself training, studying, or on his way to another competition. Recently, he returned from a training camp in Italy, looking tired yet upbeat. “Juggling school and training is definitely not one of the easiest things,” he admitted, acknowledging the stress that accompanies his dual commitments.

Aiming for Greater Heights

Despite his young age, Kai has ambitious goals for his future. He aims to remain at the forefront of indoor skydiving by innovating new moves and techniques. His passion for the sport is evident as he expresses a desire to contribute to its growth on a larger scale. Indoor skydiving, which gained popularity in the 1980s, currently lacks recognition as an Olympic sport. Kai hopes to change that, aspiring to compete in the Southeast Asian Games and ultimately at the Olympics.

With the recent surge of interest in indoor skydiving in Asia, particularly in countries like China and Indonesia, Kai is eager to foster the sport’s development. “It’ll be really cool to be able to foster a new generation and push the sport to bigger stages,” he remarked. His commitment to the sport extends beyond personal achievement; he is also taking on a coaching role to support younger athletes.

In addition to his sporting aspirations, Kai is a keen student of physics and mathematics, with dreams of one day becoming an astronaut. “I’ve always had a strong interest in maths and physics, so that’s what I’m focusing on for my studies now,” he explained.

As our conversation drew to a close, I asked how he would introduce himself without mentioning skydiving. He paused thoughtfully before saying, “I’m Kai, I’m 16. I spend most of my life flying.” With a bright future ahead, Kai Minejima-Lee is not just aiming for the skies; he is determined to inspire others to reach their own heights.