In 2023, I had the chance to represent Thailand at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), held in Chiba, Japan. I felt very excited when I found out I was chosen, but I also knew I had to work hard and prepare a lot to do my best.
Preparation Before the Competition
The preparation took about 1.5 months. The first four weeks were intensive training in Thailand and a two-week summer camp in China. The camp in China was a unique opportunity for representatives from different countries to train together. As a long-time champion in the IMO, China organized a strict schedule from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
At this camp, I learned from famous instructors like Zhuo Qun (Alex) Song, a multiple-time IMO gold medalist, and Navid Safaei, a well-known problem creator. They taught me new techniques and ideas that significantly improved my problem-solving skills.
Personal Practice
Apart from the camp, I also practiced hard on my own. I simulated the IMO exam by solving three problems in 4.5 hours every day after camp. Most of the problems I practiced came from resources like China TST, USA TST, and other national competitions. These problems were often harder than the real IMO problems, which helped me prepare for tough questions and pressure during the competition.
The Competition in Japan
When the competition started, I felt very nervous but excited. To stay calm, I meditated and listened to music. The exam was split into two days:
– Day 1: I thought I could solve all three problems perfectly, but I made a calculation error on the third one.
– Day 2: I aimed for a gold medal but didn’t perform as well as I hoped. I fully solved one problem and partially solved another.
In the end, I earned a **silver medal**.
Post-Competition
After the competition, we had two days to relax in Japan. I visited Disneyland but still felt nervous about my scores. During this time, the team leaders negotiated with the judges to ensure fair scoring by explaining how we solved the problems.
On the night of the results, I waited eagerly for the announcement. When I learned I had won a silver medal, I felt proud but sad that I missed the gold.
Reflection
The IMO was an unforgettable experience for me. I learned that success isn’t just about being good at math. It’s also about handling pressure, staying calm, and working hard to keep improving. Even though I didn’t achieve what I hoped for, I was proud to represent Thailand and bring home a silver medal.