Chongqing - On the evening of July 29, Beijing time, the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) concluded successfully in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. All four high school students from the Chinese team won gold medals, with Wang Junjie from Chongqing Bashu Secondary School securing Chongqing's first-ever gold medal in this prestigious competition.
From left to right: Zhong Zheng, Ren Zhengqian, Ma Linrui, and Wang Junjie proudly display their gold medals and the Chinese flag after their triumph at the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad. (Photo/Chongqing Bashu Secondary School)
The Chinese team comprised Ma Linrui from the Affiliated High School of Renmin University of China in Beijing, Ren Zhengqian from the Affiliated High School of South China Normal University in Guangdong Province, Wang Junjie from Bashu Secondary School in Chongqing, and Zhong Zheng from Haikou Middle School in Hainan Province.
During the competition, which included five hours each of experimental and theoretical examinations, the entire Chinese team performed exceptionally, earning gold medals. Notably, Zhong Zheng, Wang Junjie, Ren Zhengqian, and Ma Linrui achieved 1st, 5th, 8th, and 12th places respectively. This marks the fourth consecutive victory for the Chinese team in terms of overall score.
Students from around the world participate in the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo/Chongqing Bashu Secondary School)
The International Chemistry Olympiad, typically held annually in July, spans about ten days. This year’s event, commencing on July 21, attracted 327 competitors from 96 countries and regions, resulting in the awarding of 36 gold, 67 silver, and 99 bronze medals. Each participating team can have a maximum of four competitors. Competitors are ranked based on their individual scores, with the top 12% earning gold medals, the next 22% receiving silver, the subsequent 32% awarded bronze, and the top 10% of non-medalists receiving honorable mentions.
This year’s Olympiad was organized by the Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Mawhiba Foundation, King Saud University, and the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation. The theme for the competition was "Build The Bonds," and the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates in 2025.
(Wang Haibo, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)