The 56th International Mathematical Olympiad which took place in Chiang Mai, Thailand from the 4th till the 16th of July has come to an end. The United States of America obtained five gold medals and one silver medal making them the overall winner. In second place is the Peoples Republic of China and in third place the Republic of Korea.
The first IMO was held in 1959 in Romania and has gradually expanded to over 100 countries from five continents. A total of 104 countries participated in this year’s IMO. The International Mathematical Olympiad ranks each team according to the team’s individual combined results. The top five countries in ranking order are: United States of America, Peoples Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Vietnam. South Africa is ranked 55th.
Since 1992 South Africa has been an active participating country in the largest and oldest Olympiad for the exact sciences. The South African team was made up by Nicholas Kroon, Andrew McGregor, Mohammed Yaseen Mowzer, Sanjiv Ranchod, Bronson Rudner and David Broodryk. They have been training under the watchful eyes of team leaders Dr Dirk Basson and Melissa Kistner.
Mohammed Yaseen Mowzer, a Grade 11 learner at Fairbain College in Cape Town received a bronze medal and Bronson Rudner and Andrew McGregor both received honourable mentions for solving one problem completely.
Dr Dirk Basson, Team Leader says that he is pleased with the South African team’s performance. “Being in the 55th position has moved us up by nine positions, which is much better than last year.”
The 57th International Mathematical Olympiad will be held in Hong Kong from the 6th of July till the 16th of July 2016. The South African team will be announced by the end of May next year and the selection will be based on the results of this year’s South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO).
Registration for next year’s SAMO opens in January 2016 and schools that would like to enter their learners can contact the SAMF office on 012 392 9362 or send an email to info@samf.ac.za
