Year 10 Student Makes History as International Mathematics Champion

Heckmondwike Grammar School is celebrating an extraordinary international success after student Yusuf was crowned International Champion at the 40th International Final of the Mathematical and Logical Games, held at the renowned Bocconi University in Milan.

Selected in May to represent the United Kingdom, Yusuf competed against some of the world’s brightest young mathematical minds on 25 and 26 July. The prestigious competition attracted national finalists from more than 20 countries, with Yusuf entering the highly competitive C1 category, the largest age group in the event, featuring 88 exceptional competitors.

Over two intense days of competition, participants were challenged to solve 22 exceptionally demanding mathematical and logical problems under strict time pressure. Each day, competitors faced 11 problems with just two hours to complete them, with solving time used to separate those achieving the same score.

Yusuf delivered a truly remarkable performance from the outset. On the first day, he solved every problem correctly and completed the paper in an astonishing 73 minutes, placing him at the top of the leaderboard. Although 12 other competitors also achieved full marks, Yusuf’s speed gave him the overnight lead in what remained an incredibly close contest.

With the title hanging in the balance, Yusuf entered the second day knowing that another perfect score would likely be required to secure victory. Rising superbly to the challenge, he once again solved all 11 problems correctly and completed the paper in an incredible 47 minutes, making him the fastest competitor across both days of the competition.

The tension culminated at the awards ceremony in Bocconi University’s main auditorium, where the top ten competitors were called onto the stage in reverse order. As anticipation built, Yusuf was announced as the International Champion, earning the Gold Medal and first place in the official C1 category.

The final results underline just how impressive his achievement was. Yusuf achieved a flawless score of 22 out of 22, solving every problem correctly and finishing 34 minutes ahead of the runner-up, despite both competitors achieving full marks.

His victory is not only a personal triumph but also a landmark moment in the history of the competition. Yusuf has become the first participant from the United Kingdom ever to win a Gold Medal in the official C1 category during the event’s 40-year history.

This exceptional accomplishment reflects Yusuf’s outstanding talent, dedication, resilience and passion for mathematics. It is also a testament to the support and encouragement he has received throughout his journey at Heckmondwike Grammar School.

We are immensely proud of Yusuf’s historic achievement and congratulate him on representing both the school and the United Kingdom with such distinction on the world stage. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring mathematicians across the school and demonstrates what can be achieved through hard work, determination and a love of learning.

Congratulations, Yusuf, on an incredible achievement and a place in mathematical history.