Students win prizes at the International Youth Math Challenge
Gabriela Ogido won 1st place for Brazil at the IYMC 2026; Heitor Brazuna came 3rd
IMPA Tech student Gabriela Ogido achieved Brazil’s best result in the IYMC 2026 (International Youth Math Challenge)a global educational mathematics competition. The young woman achieved Gold Honour, equivalent to a gold medal, and a special certificate of national distinction. In addition to Gabriela, student Heitor Brazuna won Silver Honour in the test, equivalent to a silver medal, and came third nationally.
“I was surprised! I took the test without any great expectations and I didn’t expect to get this ranking,” said Gabriela, who is also an OBMEP (Brazilian Public School Math Olympics) medalist. A first-timer in the international competition, the young woman has won five times in the Brazilian Olympiad: 2 golds, 1 silver and 1 bronze. The medals were the gateway to IMPA Tech, where she is studying for a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics for Technology and Innovation. “It’s been very hard, but the course is very cool, I’m always studying,” he said.
Brazuna, meanwhile, took part in the IYMC race for the second time. Last year, he won the Gold Honor. He has also won four OBMEP prizes: three silver and one bronze. “I’m really enjoying studying here, the teachers are very good, the environment and structure are excellent.”
The IYMC exam takes place in three stages. In the Qualification Round, the first stage open to all participants, young people must solve at least three of five mathematical problems. Then they move on to the Pre-Final Round, a 1-hour exam also with five problems, but with the reading of an academic article as preparation.
The finalists take a supervised online exam with multiple short-form questions that test their ability to concentrate and think quickly. Young people have between 60 and 90 seconds to answer multiple choice questions and short discursive answers. “It’s not easy, it’s important to control your anxiety and know how to use your time, but it is possible,” said Brazuna.
Created in 2018, the IYMC has already brought together more than 36,000 competitors from 140 countries, forming a global network of students interested in mathematics. High school students and undergraduates from all over the world can take part. Participants receive certificates, prizes and academic recognition.
