| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Prestigious | Highly respected or important. |
| Maryam Mirzakhani Award | An award for the highest scoring female participant from the Americas. |
| Crucial | Something extremely important, essential, or decisive |
Mexican high school students have made their country proud by winning five bronze medals at the 2026 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) held in Shanghai, China. This prestigious event is known for its challenging math problems that test the skills of high school students from around the world. A standout achievement was made by Andrea Sarahi Cascante Duarte from Morelos, who received the Maryam Mirzakhani Award for her efforts in the tournament.
Mexico’s performance placed them third in Latin America behind Brazil and Peru, although it was a slight drop from last year’s position. Globally, Mexico ranked 40th among nearly 100 nations that competed. The students who earned the bronze medals were Takumi Higashida Martínez from Mexico City, Juan Luis Manríquez Sequera from Baja California Sur, Sebastián Sotomayor Trujillo from Nuevo León, Javier Caram Quirós from Mexico City, and Iker Torres Terrazas from Chihuahua.
The competition in Shanghai was intense, with China leading the overall global rankings, followed by the United States, Russia, Singapore, and Vietnam. The Mexican students’ success can be attributed to the efforts of the Mexican Mathematics Olympiad (OMM), which plays a crucial role in preparing students for international competitions. Guadalupe Russell Noriega, the head of the OMM, highlighted the support from both the private sector and the public, which has been vital for Mexico’s ongoing participation since 1981. The OMM community includes nearly 300 volunteers who are dedicated to nurturing young mathematical talent.
The IMO began in Romania in 1959 and has grown into a significant global event for high school students. Participants face six challenging problems over two days, and approximately half of the competitors earn a medal.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| International | Internacional |
| Mathematics | Matemáticas |
| Competition | Competición |
Time to discuss
- Why is participating in international competitions like the IMO important for students?
- What skills do you think are necessary to succeed in a mathematics competition?
- How can countries support their students to excel in global academic contests?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Describe the role of the Mexican Mathematics Olympiad in preparing students for the IMO.
- What impact do you think winning at the IMO has on the students and their future opportunities?
