Australians Post Best Ever Result Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad

The Australian team at the 2024 European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) has ranked second out of 54 participating teams, the highest ranking that the Australian team has achieved since first entering EGMO in 2018.

The Australians were edged out only by the team from the USA and triumphed over China who won third place. The Aussies’ performance indicates a trend; since 2018, Australian EGMO teams have placed:  20th, 14th, 12th, 12th, 3rd, 3rd and 2nd respectively.

Each Aussie team member received Gold Medals, the second time Australia has achieved the feat since EGMO Hungary in 2022.

Georgia hosted this year’s competition from 11-17 April 2024. Similar in style to the International Mathematical Olympiad, two papers of three questions each are taken on consecutive days. Participating countries send teams consisting of four female mathematicians of high school age.

The 2024 EGMO team was selected and supported through the AMT’s High Performance Olympiad program. The program receives funding from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources through the Inspiring Australia - Science Engagement Programme. The EGMO program is also supported by Optiver, the AMT’s National Sponsor of the Australian Informatics and Mathematical Olympiad programs.

The team members and their achievements are:
•    Amber Li, Pymble Ladies College, NSW - Year 10, Gold Medal (individual rank: 6)
•    Laura Nan, Fintona Girls’ School, VIC - Year 11, Gold Medal (individual rank: 6)
•    Cloris Xu, Baulkham Hills High School, NSW - Year 12, Gold Medal (individual rank: 2)
•    Iris Xu, Baulkham Hills High School, NSW - Year 12, Gold Medal (individual rank: 23)

“All of us at the Australian Maths Trust are inspired by our EGMO team’s performance. Amber, Laura, Cloris and Iris have put so much time and energy into becoming the best problem solvers they can be, and it is wonderful to see their efforts rewarded with a gold medal sweep. It is also great to see their overall efforts contributing to Australia’s best ranking in the seven years we have been competing,” said Nathan Ford CEO of the Australian Maths Trust (AMT).

“What this result reinforces, yet again, is that young women, when given the opportunity, encouragement, and support, can and will achieve excellence in mathematics and problem solving. The AMT is committed to expanding opportunities for young women across Australia to compete and achieve on the international stage in mathematics and informatics,” Mr Ford continued.