Singapore’s Kai Minejima-Lee: World Champion Skydiver at 16

At just 16 years old, Singaporean indoor skydiver Kai Minejima-Lee has already achieved remarkable success in his sport. In 2024, he claimed victory at the World Cup of Indoor Skydiving held in Macau, outperforming competitors from 11 countries to secure the top position in the solo freestyle open category. His performance, a stunning display of skill and athleticism, lasted for ninety seconds within a vertical wind tunnel, where he executed intricate moves such as pikes, tucks, and twists, all to the sounds of an orchestral score.

Recognized for his extraordinary accomplishments, Kai was awarded the title of Singapore Sports Boy of the Year in June 2025, having amassed an impressive total of 16 medals, including 10 golds, in various international competitions. To explore the journey behind his success, I met with Kai and his mother, Naomi Minejima, at iFly Singapore, a premier indoor skydiving facility located on Sentosa Island, which features one of the world’s largest wind tunnels.

Inside the wind tunnel, the experience of flying became evident. Despite my attempts to pose alongside Kai, the intense winds, reaching speeds of up to 270 km/h, made it a challenge to maintain composure. While I struggled to adjust, Kai effortlessly performed somersaults, demonstrating his proficiency as a seasoned flyer. After emerging from the tunnel, he kindly reassured me, saying, “You did well,” showcasing his modesty despite being a rising star in the sport.

Reflecting on his groundbreaking performance in Macau, Kai shared that he originally planned to compete in the junior category. However, due to an injury to teammate Kyra Poh, he stepped up to represent Team Singapore in the open category at just 15 years old. He recalled the challenge, stating, “It was daunting. The best competitors in the world were there.” Competing against seasoned athletes, he aimed to blend styles and create something unique, ultimately securing gold and defeating notable competitors, including James Rogers from the United States and Toms Evans from Latvia.

Kai’s passion for indoor skydiving ignited at an early age. On his seventh birthday, he pleaded with his parents for a chance to skydive. They took him to iFly Singapore, where he was initially teased about leaving before his turn. The moment he experienced flying, he knew he had found his calling. “It was just like, whoa, I’m flying!” he exclaimed, reminiscing about that first exhilarating jump.

His journey in performance continued as he participated in the National Day Parade (NDP) in 2016, riding atop a unicorn 30 meters above the crowd. This experience further solidified his connection to aerial sports and foreshadowed his future achievements.

Balancing academics and a demanding training schedule poses challenges for Kai, especially as he trains two to three times daily during competition seasons. He transitioned to homeschooling after his teachers recognized that he was ahead of his peers academically. This flexibility allows him to engage in his sport globally, as he often travels for competitions and training. His mother, Naomi, embraced the homeschooling decision, despite initial concerns from family and friends.

Kai’s homeschooling involves a mix of self-study and online courses from institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, allowing him to adapt his learning around his training. “I spend more time in the tunnel than I spend at home,” he noted, highlighting the rigorous nature of his lifestyle.

Despite the demands of being a high-performance athlete, Kai remains grounded. He expressed admiration for his mother, acknowledging her role in supporting him through the challenges of balancing sport and education. As he embarks on a coaching role this month, guiding younger athletes, he embodies the spirit of giving back to the community that nurtured his talent.

Looking ahead, Kai aims to further innovate within the sport of indoor skydiving, which has grown significantly since its inception in the 1980s. He aspires to elevate the sport’s profile, with dreams of inclusion in events such as the Southeast Asian Games and ultimately the Olympics. “It’ll be really cool to be able to foster a new generation and push the sport to bigger stages,” he stated, reflecting on his ambition.

Kai’s interests extend beyond skydiving; he has a keen fascination with physics and mathematics, aspiring to become an astronaut in the future. When asked how he would introduce himself without mentioning skydiving, he simply stated, “I’m Kai, I’m 16. I spend most of my life flying.”

With a bright future ahead, Kai Minejima-Lee stands as a testament to the potential of youth in sports, combining talent, determination, and a supportive family to soar to new heights in the world of indoor skydiving.