The results of the 19th edition of the Olimpíada Brasileira de Matemática das Escolas Públicas (OBMEP) were announced on December 20, 2024, showcasing record participation and achievements across Brazil.
Organized by the Instituto de Matemática Pura e Aplicada (IMPA), this year's competition saw over 18.5 million students engaged, making it one of the largest mathematics competitions globally. The massive turnout is reflected not only in the national statistics but also regionally, with 56,516 schools participating from 5,564 cities—an impressive coverage of 99.9% of Brazilian municipalities.
This year, the award distribution was significant, with 8,450 national medals being presented to students excelling based on their performances. These included 650 gold medals, 1,950 silver medals, and 5,850 bronze medals. Alongside these, over 20,500 state medals were also distributed, highlighting achievements not just at the national level, but recognizing local excellence as well.
For those who performed exceptionally at the highest level, winning at level 3, there was another opportunity for enrichment—an invitation to compete for one of the 100 spots available at IMPA Tech, the institution's initiative offering free higher education along with accommodation for outstanding students.
The emphasis on educational excellence is echoed by Argemiro Seabra, the Director of Teaching at the Municipal Education Secretariat (Semed) of Marituba. He remarked, "The medals conquered at OBMEP are the result of the tireless work of Semed, which continually invests in improving teaching and learning," reinforcing the efforts being made to improve math education not only locally but also at the national level.
Marituba stood out prominently during this 19th edition, achieving the remarkable feat of garnering 10 gold medals, as well as numerous silver and bronze awards. This achievement not only placed them first overall at the state level but marked their successful participation for the second consecutive year. Marituba's educational strategy has focused on enhancing classroom approaches through training and innovative methodologies aimed at elevative mathematics education.
For students, recognition did not stop at medal counts. A staggering 50,000 certificates of honorary mention were also awarded, underscoring the commitment to acknowledging effort and achievement across all grades. Such methods drive home the reality of educational accolades, significantly raising the stakes for students at all levels of this commendable competition.
This year, the OBMEP continues to shape the educational experiences of students across Brazil, proving to be more than just competition; it is part of larger educational strategies aimed at fostering future leaders and mathematicians. The ceremony to honor the medalists and successful institutions will be planned and announced for 2025, creating anticipation among students, educators, and families alike.
All of the results and more can be accessed via the official OBMEP website, where detailed listings are provided, allowing the public to filter results by school type, state, and medal category.
OBMEP remains pivotal for mathematics education, involving schools, students, and families, as it celebrates dedication and intellectual achievement nationally. The future looks bright for students eager to showcase their mathematical prowess, with OBMEP standing as both a beacon and benchmark for educational success.
