Record-breaking performance by SA Team at International Mathematics Olympiad

30 July 2025

A team of South Africa's brightest young mathematicians achieved the country's best ranking in 25 years, finishing 38th out of 110 countries at the International Mathematics Olympiad.

The prestigious global mathematics competition took place in Australia from 10 to 20 July 2025 where high school learners from over 100 countries showcased their exceptional mathematics skills. The People's Republic of China ranked first, followed by the United States, and the Republic of Korea.

The achievements of the South African team members are as follows:

Youkyum Kim (Grade 12, Reddam House Durbanville) – Silver Medal
Moied Baleg (Grade 12, The Settlers High School) – Bronze Medal
Eli Williams (Grade 11, Westerford High School) – Bronze Medal
Pocoyo Pun (Grade 10, Elkanah House) – Bronze Medal
Yian Xu (Grade 12, Redhill High School) – Bronze Medal
Ellen Grant-Smith (Grade 12, Westerford High School) – Honourable Mention

Professor Seithuti Moshokoa, Executive Director of the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF), expressed his pride in the team's accomplishment, stating, "We are extremely pleased with the team's performance this year. Their hard work and dedication have yielded a notable achievement, demonstrating their exceptional talent and aptitude for mathematics."

SAMF extends its congratulations to the team for their outstanding success at the IMO. Their achievement is a testament to their perseverance, dedication, and passion for mathematics.

The team's participation was made possible by Old Mutual South Africa.