56th International Chemistry Olympiad, 21-30 July 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The NZ Chemistry Olympiad is extremely proud of the outstanding achievement by all four students who represented NZ at the recent ICHO in Saudi Arabia. The students (shown left to right in the picture below) were Seivin Kim (Avondale College), Alexandre Geron (St Kentigern College), Ena Yin (St Cuthbert’s College and Daniel Xian (St Kentigern College).
There were 87 countries represented at the ICHO and about 330 students who completed the highly challenging 5-hour practical exam and 5-hour theory exam. The top 10% of students are awarded gold medals, while the next 20% are awarded silver and the next 30% bronze. A huge congratulations to Daniel who achieved a silver medal (and was not far off a gold), while the other 3 students all achieved bronze medals, Seivin being close to a silver medal. Absolutely brilliant.
Each of the four students wrote a report reflecting on all they had gained from the experience of representing NZ at the ICHO. A part of each report is included below.
Ena Yin wrote:
This July, I had the opportunity to participate in the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of my life, and I would like to sincerely thank all those who made this possible. This esteemed event captured the essence of its theme – “Build the Bonds” – I not only built valuable bonds between various areas of chemistry knowledge, but more importantly, between people from all over the world.
During the ten days we were there, we bonded and engaged in intellectually stimulating discussions about chemistry. The practical and theoretical exams were intense and challenging, but at the same time interesting and rewarding. We explored chemistry in areas such as polymers and medicines and saw them applied in real life.
We also had the chance to explore the amazing Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its colourful culture. Sightseeing historic monuments, trying traditional Saudi cuisine, and immersing myself in local customs, I experienced the unique Saudi Arabian culture. I became friends with many young people from all around the world – an experience I never would have had if it were not for this event.
Alexandre Geron wrote:
Participating in the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad in Saudi Arabia was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in making this possible. From the selection process to the training camp and finally the actual Olympiad, I was completely immersed in the fascinating world of chemistry. In school, we are often expected to learn only within the confines of the curriculum. The Olympiad, however, taught me the value of curiosity, revealing that there is almost no limit to what one can explore.
Saudi Arabia, with its rich history and vibrant culture, was an incredible place to explore. Visiting places like the Diriyah Palace allowed us to fully experience the local culture, while modern sites such as the Boulevard and the e-sports World Championship added a contemporary dimension to the trip. The ceremonies and warm welcomes we received made us feel like honoured guests.
Daniel Xian wrote:
I also had the privilege of meeting so many new people from around the world – from the Netherlands, UK, Bulgaria, India, Australia and so many more. I was so lucky to be able to connect with them throughout this event which has really made this experience even more unforgettable. In addition, I formed a great friendship with the local student volunteer guides who helped show me around the city, and I will never forget those moments I shared with them. Keeping in touch with these people will forever be a reminder of the warmth I experienced during the ICHO – and I’m not just referring to the weather!
Seivin Kim wrote:
The tutorials every weekend thoroughly prepared us for the IChO. Both in-person and online lessons covered the theory behind the Preparatory Problems, enhancing our understanding of new chemistry concepts. The laboratory sessions at the University of Auckland enabled us to hone our practical skills and build our confidence in experimental procedures.
Thank you to all the teachers, professors, and staff of the NZChO. Your constant enthusiasm, support, and organisation all year makes this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so successful for chemistry students.
- A note of thanks to Drs Jan Giffney, Owen Curnow and Marie-Anne Thelen who mentored the NZ Chemistry Olympiad team. Jan mentioned the intense discussions about marking at the International Chemistry Olympiad: “One argument that went for at least an hour was over the colour of an indicator and whether to accept only yellow, or yellow/orange or orange!”
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