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High School Maths Wizards Bring Home Medals For South Africa

Tuesday, 30 July 2024

The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) proudly announces the outstanding performance of Team South Africa at the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) 2024, held in Bath, United Kingdom from 11 to 22 July. Competing against 609 contestants from 108 countries, South Africa ranked 53rd with one silver and two bronze medals.

Ben Maree, a Grade 10 student from Westerford High School, claimed a prestigious Silver medal, while Ellen Grant-Smith from Westerford High School and Moied Baleg from The Settlers High School in Cape Town each earned a Bronze medal. Yian Xu from Redhill School in Johannesburg received an Honourable Mention for her commendable performance. The other team members were Eli Williams, a Grade 10 student from Westerford High School in Cape Town and Youkyum Kim, a Grade 11 student from Reddam House Durbanville in Cape Town.

The South African team prepared for the IMO under the leadership of Dylan Nelson and Kerry Porrill at the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences from 12 June to 3 July. They were joined by approximately 30 top-performing countries and five African teams, creating a robust environment for honing their skills.

The IMO, the largest and most prestigious international mathematics Olympiad, has expanded from its original seven participating countries to over a hundred. The competition features teams of contestants tackling challenging mathematics exams over two consecutive days, each exam lasting around 4.5 hours and comprising three complex problems. The exam papers are meticulously marked over the following days, with each solution scored. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded, alongside Honourable Mentions for notable efforts. This year’s Olympiad saw the United States of America clinch the top spot, followed by the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Korea.

SAMF's Executive Director, Prof Kerstin Jordaan, expressed her pride in the team's achievements, stating, "We are thrilled with Team South Africa's performance at the IMO 2024. Their success highlights their individual talents and underscores the important role the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) plays in developing our young mathematicians. Congratulations to all team members and their educators for this outstanding accomplishment.”

SAMF extends its gratitude to Old Mutual South Africa, the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA), the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences, and Jane Street UK for their generous support. Their commitment to nurturing mathematical excellence is invaluable in empowering South African students to excel on the global stage.

Top row from left to right:

Yian Xu – Grade 11, Redhill School in Johannesburg

Ellen Grant-Smith – Grade 11, Westerford High School in Cape Town

Eli Williams – Grade 10, Westerford High School in Cape Town

Deputy Team Leader: Kerry Porrill

 

Bottom row from left to right:

Moied Baleg – Grade 11, The Settlers High School in Cape Town

Youkyum Kim – Grade 11, Reddam House Durbanville in Cape Town

Ben Maree – Grade 10, Westerford High School in Cape Town

Team Leader: Dylan Nelson

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