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

At just 16 years old, Singaporean indoor skydiver Kai Minejima-Lee has already made a significant mark in his sport. In 2024, he triumphed at the World Cup of Indoor Skydiving in Macau, winning the solo freestyle open category against competitors from 11 countries. His impressive performance included intricate aerial maneuvers set to orchestral music, captivating the audience and judges alike. This victory not only solidified his status as a rising star but also earned him the title of Singapore Sports Boy of the Year 2025.

Kai’s journey to success has been filled with dedication and hard work. Over the past year, he amassed 16 medals, including 10 golds, at various international competitions. To understand his remarkable achievements, I recently met him and his mother at iFly Singapore, located on Sentosa Island, which features one of the world’s largest indoor wind tunnels.

Inside the tunnel, the experience of flying became immediately apparent. As I attempted to pose for a photo with Kai, the 200 km/h winds made the task challenging. Meanwhile, Kai effortlessly executed flips and spins, showcasing the skill that earned him his championship title. His humility shined through as he encouraged me with a friendly, “You did well,” after our session.

Reflecting on his win in Macau, Kai revealed that he had initially planned to compete in the junior category. However, when a teammate sustained an injury, he stepped in to compete against seasoned athletes. “It was daunting,” he recalled, noting that he was facing competitors who had previously coached him. Despite the pressure, he aimed to blend different styles in his routine, ultimately standing out and claiming gold, with athletes James Rogers and Toms Evans following in second and third place, respectively.

Kai’s passion for flying began at a young age. On his seventh birthday, he expressed a strong desire to try skydiving, and his parents took him to iFly Singapore as a surprise. The sheer joy on his face during that first flight was captured in a photograph by his mother, Naomi Minejima. “The moment I jumped in, I knew this was it,” he said, recalling the exhilaration of flying.

His affinity for heights was further highlighted when he performed in the National Day Parade 2016, riding a “flying” unicorn 30 meters above the crowd. This early experience foreshadowed his future in indoor skydiving, as he demonstrated agility and fearlessness.

Balancing training and education has been a challenge for Kai. He trains two to three times daily, and when he struggled with conventional school, homeschooling became a viable option. His teachers recognized his advanced understanding of the syllabus, prompting his family to consider this alternative. Although the decision faced scrutiny from friends and family, Naomi conducted thorough research and decided it was the best path for her son.

Kai’s homeschooling program includes online courses from prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This flexible approach allows him to travel and compete globally, with training camps occurring four to five times a year. Despite the rigorous schedule, he remains committed to his studies and training, often working on assignments during brief breaks between sessions.

In 2023, Kai faced disappointment when he placed second in the junior category at the World Cup in Slovakia. The setback motivated him to train harder, leading to his eventual success in Macau. “I was considering what I should do next,” he admitted, but the support from family and teammates helped him channel his frustration into determination.

Looking forward, Kai has ambitious goals. He aims to continue innovating within the sport of indoor skydiving and hopes to compete at the Olympic Games one day. He noted the increasing interest in the sport from countries in Asia and Southeast Asia and expressed a desire to help grow its visibility.

Kai also values giving back to the community that has supported him. Recently, he took on a coaching role, helping younger athletes prepare for competitions. He believes that being an athlete has taught him valuable life lessons, particularly about sportsmanship and resilience.

In addition to his athletic aspirations, Kai has a keen interest in space and aims to study physics and mathematics at university. “I’ve always wanted to be an astronaut,” he shared.

As our conversation came to a close, I asked Kai how he would introduce himself if he could not mention skydiving. He paused thoughtfully before responding, “I’m Kai, I’m 16. I spend most of my life flying.” With a bright future ahead, he truly embodies the spirit of a young athlete destined for greatness.