The 27th International Biology Olympiad in Hanoi, Vietnam finished with exciting news for New Zealand! A bronze medal was won by Max Langenkamp and three silver medals were won by Connor Leadley Christs College, Nikita Lyons, Waikato Diocesan and Nico van Wijk, Pinehurst College Auckland. Our New Zealand team of Nico van Wijk (Pinehurst College, Auckland), Maximillian Langenkamp (Auckland Boys Grammar, Auckland), Nikita Lyons (Waikato Docesan School for Girls, Hamilton) and Connor Leadley (Christs College, Christchurch) returned triumphant to New Zealand 27th July. A full travel log was recorded via photos, constantly updated throughout the trip and can be viewed on our NZIBO FaceBook page.
As we drew closer to departure, students were organised into a uniform appropriate for a hot weather country. Shawn organised Auckland University hosting for the students, for a final training preparation lab just prior to departure. Team Australia arranged to meet us in Hoi An to share acclimatisation experiences prior to our stay in Hanoi for the competition.
Team managers Shawn Cooper and Pru reported that the students competed in a tough field in difficult conditions. Students travelled from the New Zealand winter to temperatures that, at times, reached above 40 degrees Celsius. The Vietnamese hospitality and care of the visiting students, however, was second to none. The travelling teachers report that the students had a dedicated volunteer student guide who worked with them throughout the week, available to translate, advise and help navigate the myriad of small day to day challenges for New Zealand teenagers visiting Vietnam. The Hanoi State University in the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, was well appointed with exceptionally well run practical tasks designed to challenge and test student capability. With four practical exams and two three hour theory exams held over two days, this exam proved challenging but within the capabilities of our NZ students. Team Aotearoa proved their worth!