Did you know that last September was the 61st International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)? Yes, that's right's, there is such a thing as a 'Math Olympics'! Originally this Olympiad was intended to be hosted in St. Petersburg, Russia, but due to the pandemic, the Board and organizers of the IMO made the decision, not to cancel, but to adapt and prepare to host the event virtually by September 2020. In the event, 105 countries participated bringing 616 contestants.
In this Olympiad, there is no single recipient of a bronze, silver, and gold medal. Instead, the medals are given categorically. Every contestant can scored a maximum total of 42 points. Contestants receive the bronze medal for scoring 15-23 points, silver medal for scoring 24-30, and gold medals for scoring 31-42. I personally have no further details about the content of the event, but I can only imagine, like any kind of olympics, this event would be so difficult for me that I couldn't score a single point. And in the end, a historical moment occurred...
For the first time in history, 17 year old Kgaogelo Bopape (12th Grade) from Soweto, South Africa became the first African learner to earn a bronze medal in the IMO. Bopape, the proud prodigy of Horizon International School in Johannesburg, was among 6 other pupils representing the proud country of South Africa in the IMO. And by the end, Bopape was celebrated as a young national icon of brilliance and hardwork.
I, personally, would also argue that Bopape has also become a cultural icon to the world. As the world strives to be more egalitarian, Bopape has just proven that with the opportunity, commitment, and perseverance, it's not just about who you are and where you come from that matters: it's also about what you do. It's about choosing to aspire, to work hard, to get back up when you fall, and to keep going. And that's something I think people from all walks of life can agree on. From the USA, congratulations Kgaogelo!
- Garrett Lew, Assistant Center Director
(Feel free to read the article from Legit.ng below)
Teen displays rare brilliance at maths competition, wins bronze medal
by Legit.ng Joseph Omotayo
- Kgaogelo Bopape from Horizon International School in Johannesburg has made South Africa proud with his performance in the 2020 Maths Olympiad
- Bopape became the first African learner to garner a third place at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
- Many people have since congratulated the smart teen on his winning, expressing how proud they are of him
Kgaogelo Bopape has flown South Africa's flag high. The Grade 12 pupil, who hails from Soweto, managed to obtain an amazing achievement. The 17-year-old Horizon International School pupil walked away with a bronze medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
The Olympiad was set to be hosted in Russia this year but because of the pandemic, young maths geniuses from around the world took part in it virtually. Bopape not only managed to get a medal, he also made history. The young maths whizz became the first African to ever get a bronze medal at the IMO.
Kgaogelo Bopape from Soweto has become the country’s first black pupil to garner a bronze medal at the IMO.
Horizon International School gushed about Bopape's amazing achievement. The post read: "Well done to our very own Kgaugelo Bopape on being the first African learner to receive a bronze medal at the 61st International Mathematical Olympiad held in Russia. Thank you for making Horizon High School proud and South Africa."
It should be noted that Bopape was amongst six South African pupils who took part in the IMO this year. His performance at the Olympiad inspired South Africans and Bopape was applauded online.
Read more: https://www.legit.ng/1371859-teen-displays-rare-brilliance-maths-competition-wins-bronze-medal.html
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