Mathematics Olympiad 2019

Second Round of the Mathematics Olympiad: Young Problem-Solvers in Action

On the second Wednesday of November, it was that time of year again: ambitious schools across Germany sent their top math students to compete in the regional round (2nd stage) of the Mathematics Olympiad. In the 59th edition of the competition, 117 participants from seven grammar schools in Eisenach and the Wartburg district tackled challenging mathematical problems in pursuit of the most elegant solutions.
Of course, the young math Olympians were also vying for a spot in the third round—the Thuringia State Finals—held on February 22, 2020, in Erfurt. With refreshments including sandwiches, grapes, and cold drinks, many students spent up to six hours grappling with problems, brainstorming until the very last minute in search of that one brilliant idea.

At the awards ceremony, held in the cafeteria of the historic Martin-Luther-Gymnasium, 26 prizes were presented—fittingly, 13 to girls and 13 to boys. At that moment, it was not yet known that eight of these students had also qualified for the state finals thanks to their outstanding results.
This year’s most successful school was Elisabeth-Gymnasium (EG), earning three gold, three silver, and three bronze awards. It was followed by Martin-Luther-Gymnasium (MLG), with three gold and three bronze medals.

The determination with which these mathematically gifted students pursue success is a powerful testament to the high regard in which they—and their teachers—hold this competition. The focused training in creative problem-solving offered by the Mathematics Olympiad is undoubtedly a key reason why this regional flagship project continues to deserve support now and in the future.

Henning Busboom, Elisabeth-Gymnasium