Concord College student given huge boost ahead of maths competition
On the eve of her departure for a prestigious mathematics competition in the United States, Concord College student Olivia Guo was given a massive confidence boost.
The 17-year-old, who is representing the UK in the Who Wants to be a Mathematician Championship Grand Final in Baltimore on Saturday, has been offered a place at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, to study mathematics.
“The offer could not have come at a more opportune time,” she said. “To study mathematics at Cambridge is something I have dreamt of many times.
“Now it has come true ahead of the championship in Baltimore. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the Cambridge offer is a lucky omen.”
Olivia, who is in her second year at Concord where she is studying maths, further maths and physics, is quietly looking forward to the championship which will be the biggest day in her life.
She said she is excited but admitted to feeling a nervous about the enormous challenge ahead.
“I haven’t appeared before a lot of people and cameras before so the thought is a little bit daunting," she said.
“The final is all about answering questions accurately and very quickly under time pressure and they get harder as the final progresses. This is a new thing for me and it is a bit scary.
“But I am excited because it could help my career and in any event is a wonderful experience which I am sure I shall appreciate even more in days to come.”
Olivia has seen a video link of last year’s final which she described as ‘harder’ than the UK final she has just won. She will be competing against 10 Americans and one Canadian student in the final.
The 12 students will be split into two groups and the winner of each will come head to head in the final which includes speed rounds.
A victory would see Olivia win $10,000 to be split between herself and her school.
She will have the whole of Concord College rooting for her and she has already received many good luck messages following her victory in the UK final at the end of November.
Dr Tom Phoenix, head of mathematics at Concord College, said: “The mathematics department is extremely proud of Olivia’s outstanding success in winning the UK national final of Who Wants to be a Mathematician.
“Olivia is a phenomenal mathematician and a joy to have in the classroom. She has superb subject knowledge and can answer quickly and accurately on a large range of topics. We wish Olivia the best of luck and greatest success at the international final on Saturday.”
