Chinese Teen Math Whiz Wins Second Consecutive Gold at International Olympiad

China's math prodigy, Shi Haojie, has made history by winning a gold medal at the 65th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) for the second consecutive year, with a perfect score. Shi, a high school student from Zhejiang Province, has become the fourth Chinese student to achieve this feat, and his achievement has sparked widespread celebration on social media.

The 2024 IMO results were announced on July 21, 2022, in Bath, UK, with China's team securing five gold medals and one silver medal, ranking second overall, just two points behind the United States. The six-member Chinese team consisted of students from different provinces, including Shi Haojie, Xu Qiming, Wang Chunji, Deng Zhewen, Wang Xianbang, and Ye Yuxing.

Shi's achievement has been met with widespread admiration on Weibo, with many netizens congratulating him on his success. "牛！" (Amazing!) wrote one user, while another user praised, "史皓嘉继去年之后再次获得满分金牌，成为中国第四位、浙江第一位获得IMO双满分金牌的学生" (Shi Haojie has become the fourth Chinese student and the first from Zhejiang Province to achieve double perfect scores at the IMO).

However, not everyone was impressed. Some netizens expressed skepticism about the emphasis placed on academic achievements, with one user asking, "又都在夸？质疑姜萍的那些人怎么不出来叭叭两句了？" (Are you all just boasting? Where are those people who doubted Jiang Ping to come out and say something?). This comment hints at a broader debate about the pressure and stress placed on students in high-pressure education systems like China's.

In addition to Shi's achievement, the IMO results have also sparked a wider discussion about the importance of academic achievements in China. A popular Weibo post advised students to make the most of their university years, highlighting the importance of GPA, scholarships, and certifications in building a strong resume. The post encouraged students to aim high, citing the examples of students who have achieved success through hard work and dedication.

The People's Daily, a state-run newspaper, also weighed in on the importance of academic achievements, publishing an infographic highlighting the benefits of gaining practical experience, publishing papers, and obtaining certifications. The infographic emphasized the advantages of participating in competitions like the "Challenge Cup" and "Internet +" innovation and entrepreneurship competitions, as well as social practice and volunteer teaching.

While Shi's achievement is undoubtedly an impressive one, it also raises important questions about the broader implications of China's education system. As one user wrote, "大学4年，万不可浪费光阴" (Don't waste your four years in university). The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming, and it remains to be seen how China's education system will balance the need for academic achievement with the need for well-rounded individuals.

For now, however, Shi Haojie's achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Chinese students, and a reminder that with perseverance and determination, even the most challenging goals can be achieved.