From EGMO Gold to the Balkan Olympiad: Nanako’s Remarkable Journey

Rugby School student Nanako has achieved something truly exceptional: she represented the United Kingdom at the 2025 European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO), held in Kosovo this April, where she was the only member of the UK Girls’ team to be awarded a gold medal.

Her outstanding performance has led to further success: Nanako has been selected to represent the UK at the 42nd Balkan Mathematical Olympiad (BMO), taking place in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 25 to 30 April. Selection for this elite competition is based on performance in two rigorous Team Selection Tests (TSTs), and is limited to students who have not previously competed at the Balkan MO or the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Nanako’s results secured her place as one of only six team members.

In addition, she has been invited to the final stage of selection for the UK IMO squad. Nanako is one of just nine pupils nationwide invited to sit two further TSTs in London this May, from which the final UK team for the IMO, the most prestigious international competition for school-aged mathematicians, will be chosen.

Reflecting on her achievement, Nanako said:

“I did not think I would reach this far when I came to the UK four years ago, and I have now gained much confidence in what I am doing. I’m incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and support I’ve received at Rugby.”

We wish Nanako the very best at the Balkan MO and look forward to hearing the results of the IMO final selection in May.