South African Youth Achieves Success at International Mathematics Olympiad
The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) is proud to announce the national team's performance at the 64th International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO). With determination, skill, and an unwavering passion for mathematics, the South African team showcased their talent on the international stage.
Held from 2 to 13 July 2023 in Japan, the IMO brought together the brightest young minds from across the globe, challenging them with a series of complex mathematical problems designed to test their analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Against tough competition, the South African team demonstrated their skills among the world's elite mathematicians.
We are delighted to share the achievements of the South African team, sponsored by Old Mutual South Africa and the South African Institute of Chartered Accounts (SAICA), at the IMO:
- Hugo Bruwer, Gr 12, Hoër Jongenskool Paarl - Honourable Mention
- Jared Slater, Gr 12, Parel Vallei High School - Honourable Mention
- Minkyum Kim, Gr 12, Reddam House Durbanville - Bronze Medal
- Moied Baleg, Gr 10, The Settlers High School - Honourable Mention
- Yian Xu, Gr 10, Redhill School - Honourable Mention
- Youkyum Kim, Gr 10, Reddam House Durbanville - Silver Medal
The success of the South African team, led by IMO alumnus Liam Baker and Malwande Nkonyane, is a testament to the tireless efforts of the SAMF in nurturing young mathematical talent in the country. This outstanding performance demonstrates that South Africa is home to some of the brightest mathematical minds, capable of competing and excelling on the global stage.
"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each member of the national team for their achievements at the IMO," says Prof Kerstin Jordaan, a full-time mathematics researcher at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and part-time executive director of the SAMF. "Their dedication, perseverance, and passion have not only brought glory to themselves but have also inspired aspiring mathematicians across the nation."
"We extend our gratitude to the sponsors, coaches, mentors, parents, and educators who have supported and guided the team throughout their journey,” says Jordaan. “Also to the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications who invited our team and other top-performing countries to join the IMO preparation camp. Everyone’s unwavering support and encouragement have played an integral role in the success of the South African team."
Jordaan concluded that "the achievements of these exceptional young mathematicians serve as an inspiration for generations to come and reaffirm South Africa's position among the world's mathematical elite."
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MORE INFORMATION AND PARTICIPATION STATISTICS
The contest element of an IMO (the “Contest”) takes place on two consecutive days. On each day of the Contest the examination starts in the morning and lasts for four and a half hours. Each of the two examination papers consists of three problems.
The only instruments permitted in the Contest are writing and drawing instruments, such as rulers and compasses. In particular, books, papers, tables, calculators, protractors, computers and communication devices are not allowed into the examination room.
Each Contestant who has not received a first, second or third prize receives a Certificate of Honourable Mention if he/she has received seven points for the solution of at least one problem.
For the 2023 IMO, the maximum possible points per contestant was 42 (seven points per problem).
The total number of awards for the 2023 IMO was:
Gold medals: 54 (score ≥ 32 points).
Silver medals: 90 (score ≥ 25 points).
Bronze medals: 170 (score ≥ 18 points).
Honourable mentions: 192.
Out of the 685 contestants, 67 were female.
Top 5 Countries in the 64th IMO:
1st: People’s Republic of China
2nd: United States of America
3rd: Republic of Korea
4th: Romania
5th: Canada
South Africa's ranking in the 64th IMO (rank out of total countries): 51/112
Youkyum Kim (Gr 10) from Reddam House Durbanville ranked 104th out of 685 (83rd percentile) contestants. He is one of ten (10) South Africans that received a silver medal since the country’s first participation in 1992.
The previous silver medal was in 2011, won by Sean Wentzel, who ranked 66th (86th percentile) out of 620 contestants.
National team’s previous participation:
Hugo Bruwer, Gr 12, Hoër Jongenskool Paarl
- None
Jared Slater, Gr 12, Parel Vallei High School
- None
Minkyum Kim, Gr 12, Reddam House Durbanville
- 2022 - Honorable Mention
- 2021
Moied Baleg, Gr 10, The Settlers High School
- None
Yian Xu, Gr 10, Redhill School
- None
Youkyum Kim, Gr 10, Reddam House Durbanville
- 2022 - Honorable Mention
Team leaders’ previous participation:
Liam Baker
- 2009 - Bronze Medal
- 2008 - Honorable Mention
South Africa first participated in the IMO in 1992.
South Africa's ranking over the past 10 years (rank out of total countries):
2023 - Japan: 51/112
2022 - Norway: 63/104
2021- Russian Federation: 60/107
2020 - Russian Federation: 61/105
2019 - United Kingdom: 46/112
2018 - Romania: 66/107
2017 - Brazil: 81/111
2016 - Hong Kong: 73/109
2015 - Thailand: 68/104
2014 - South Africa: 68/101
2013 - Colombia: 64/97