Ruth and SA Maths Team
Pinelands High School’s Ruth Trimble (Grade 11) has returned from Kosovo after competing in the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO), one of the world’s most prestigious contests for female secondary-school mathematicians.
Team South Africa comprised four girls chosen through national Olympiad results. Against 55 other countries (219 contestants), the team secured two bronze medals, one honourable mention (Ruth), and an overall 35th-place finish. Ruth tackled two rigorous 4 ½-hour papers, describing the experience as “surprisingly relaxing” once she settled into the problem-solving rhythm.
Ruth traces her passion for mathematics to her first UCT Maths Competition in Grade 8, followed by sessions at the UCT Maths Circle where she glimpsed “the beauty of maths beyond the curriculum”. She also loves IT and Physics.
Lessons learnt:
- Confidence grows through tackling hard problems; solving just one Olympiad question was a personal triumph.
- Mathematics is far more creative than many classroom experiences suggest; the key is finding explanations that resonate with you.
Her advice to younger girls: “Everyone is capable of understanding maths—don’t be discouraged if the first approach doesn’t click.”
Favourite historical mathematician: Sophie Germain—proof that determination transcends barriers.
Congratulations, Ruth, on an inspiring achievement and for championing women in STEM! We are so very proud of you.
Ruth Trimble
