Millfield Mathematician amongst top in Europe

04 Jun 2019

A Millfield Year 11 pupil has been named as one of the top young mathematicians in Europe after winning the only gold medal as part of the UK team at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad. Fifteen-year-old Yuhka Machino placed 9th individually out of almost 200 participants in the competition in Ukraine earlier this month.

Yuhka gained one of only four places on the UK team, who placed equal 5th out of 50 participating teams at the prestigious Mathematics competition.

Yuhka, who also attended Millfield Prep in Glastonbury, will now have the chance to be selected to represent the UK at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in Bath in July.

Millfield has a long standing history of involvement in national and international academic Olympiads and competitions, with experienced teachers guiding pupils through the rigorous, competitive process. Millfield’s Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning), Dr Ceri Fiddes has been involved with the UK Mathematics Trust for 18 years, and will act as Director of the International Mathematical Olympiad at this year’s competition in Bath. The event is an opportunity for pupils like Yuhka to meet similarly academic children from over 100 countries, solving difficult puzzles and problems in teams.

Dr Ceri Fiddes said, “This is an incredible achievement for Yuhka, who can now say that she is one of the top young Mathematicians in Europe. It is delightful to see pupils like Yuhka enjoying Mathematics, and inspiring others to pursue academic challenges like the British, European Girls’, and hopefully the International Mathematical Olympiad. Everyone at Millfield has their fingers crossed for Yuhka’s next challenge, as selections for the UK team for the International Mathematical Olympiad in Bath are only five weeks away.”

Yuhka said, “I am delighted that I was able to achieve a gold medal at my first international competition. I would like to thank my teachers at Millfield and the UKMT staff for introducing me to new and exciting maths. I can’t wait to see where competitions like the EGMO take me, and I hope to compete for the UK in even more international Mathematics challenges in the future.”