《TAIPEI TIMES》 Taiwan takes gold at Physics Olympiad

By Rachel Lin and Esme Yeh / Staff reporters Taiwan tied for first with five golds at the 56th In...…

Taiwanese students who took part in the 56th International Physics Olympiad pose for a photograph with their teachers and the Republic of China flag in Columbia yesterday. Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Education via CNA

By Rachel Lin and Esme Yeh / Staff reporters

Taiwan tied for first with five golds at the 56th International Physics Olympiad （IPhO） held in Columbia this year, showcasing high school physics prowess.

The team, led by National Taiwan Normal University physics professor Chen Chuan-Ren （陳傳仁）, was represented by five students, who were chosen from 2,361 students nationwide via multiple selections to receive pre-competition training.

Competing with 381 participants from 91 countries, all five students won a gold medal for Taiwan.

Other countries earning five golds included China, India, Kazakhstan, South Korea and Russia.

One of the five Taiwanese, Chien Kuo High School （CKHS） student Wu Ssu-chien （吳思謙） said he has enjoyed studying math and physics since he was young.

He had experienced setbacks in previous IPhO selections, but continued to work hard to make the selection this year.