Chinese Teen Secures Second Straight Perfect Score at International Mathematical Olympiad

Chinese student Deng Leyan has once again captured international attention after achieving a perfect score at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), becoming one of only seven participants worldwide to earn full marks in this year's prestigious competition.

The annual Olympiad brought together 666 students from 117 countries and territories, with China emerging as the overall champion after securing 232 points, finishing well ahead of the United States. All six members of the Chinese team received gold medals, while American contestants Alexander Wang and Liam Reddy also achieved perfect individual scores.

A Rare Milestone in Competitive Mathematics

Scoring a perfect 42 points at the IMO is a remarkable feat. Doing so in two consecutive years is even rarer. Deng now joins an exclusive group of Chinese mathematicians who have recorded back-to-back perfect performances at the world's most prestigious mathematics competition for secondary school students, further cementing his place among the country's brightest young mathematical minds.

A Story of Strength Beyond Numbers

While Deng's achievements in mathematics appear extraordinary, his academic journey has been far from flawless. Speaking to students at his former middle school after winning his first IMO gold medal, Deng recalled feeling deeply discouraged after scoring only the class average in an English examination during seventh grade. Watching classmates consistently outperform him in language subjects left him questioning his own abilities. He experienced similar frustrations in Chinese, where even dedicated preparation did not always translate into high marks.

Instead of allowing those experiences to discourage him, Deng gradually realised that every student has different strengths. He encouraged younger students to stop measuring themselves against others and instead devote themselves to the subjects they genuinely enjoy.

Recognising Talent Early

Deng's mathematical ability became evident from an early age. As a young child, he displayed an exceptional memory for numbers and quickly recognised mathematical patterns that surprised even his parents. His teachers later adapted his learning schedule, allowing him greater independence to focus on advanced mathematics while reducing routine coursework outside his area of exceptional ability. That supportive environment enabled him to develop his talent while continuing his formal education.

Building an Extraordinary Competitive Record

Long before his second IMO victory, Deng had already established himself as one of China's leading young mathematicians.

His accomplishments include success at national mathematics competitions, a top-five global finish in the Alibaba Global Mathematics Competition, a perfect score at the Chinese Mathematical Olympiad, and selection to China's IMO team while still in Grade 10.

His outstanding performance also secured guaranteed admission to the university, where he chose to pursue mathematics over computer science.

Why This Matters

Deng Leyan's journey challenges the common belief that successful students must excel in every subject. His story demonstrates that setbacks can coexist with exceptional talent and that meaningful success often comes from identifying one's strengths and pursuing them with determination. It also highlights the value of flexible learning environments that recognise individual potential rather than expecting every student to follow the same academic path.

Editor's Note

Deng Leyan's story serves as a reminder that education is about more than just achieving high grades. His openness about struggling in subjects outside his area of strength makes his achievements even more relatable. For students navigating academic pressure, his journey reinforces an important lesson: success is not about being perfect at everything, but about discovering where your passion lies and committing yourself to continuous growth.

FAQs

1. Who is Deng Leyan?

Deng Leyan is a Chinese student and mathematics prodigy who earned perfect scores at the International Mathematical Olympiad in both 2025 and 2026.

2. What is the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)?

The IMO is the world's leading mathematics competition for secondary school students, bringing together top young mathematicians from more than 100 countries every year.

3. How many students achieved perfect scores at IMO 2026?

Seven contestants achieved full marks at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad.

4. How did China perform at the competition?

China won the overall team title with 232 points, and every member of its six-person team received a gold medal.

5. Did Deng Leyan always excel in school?

No. Deng has openly shared that he struggled with English and Chinese during middle school and often scored around the class average in those subjects.

6. What advice does Deng give to students?

He encourages students to accept their weaknesses, focus on their strengths, and pursue the subjects they genuinely love.

7. Why is Deng Leyan's achievement significant?

Winning two consecutive perfect scores at the IMO is an exceptionally rare accomplishment and places him among an elite group of young mathematicians worldwide.

8. What did Deng choose to study at university?

After earning guaranteed admission through his mathematical achievements, Deng chose to pursue a degree in mathematics.