From left to right: Serena An (US Team Deputy Leader), Kailua Cheng, Catherine Xu, Ekam Kaur, Xinyi Li, Rachel Zhang (US Team Leader), and Vivian Loh (Observer)

The United States team placed 5th at the 15th European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO), with team members earning two gold and two silver medals for outstanding individual performances.

Held this year in Bordeaux, France, the EGMO brings together some of the most talented young mathematicians from around the globe for a rigorous two-day competition. Participants tackle proof-based problems that require creativity, deep insight, and persistence, skills at the very heart of mathematical discovery. This year’s EGMO featured 260 participants from 67 countries, underscoring the event’s international reach.

Since its founding in 2012, the US team, selected and supported by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), has been a consistent presence at EGMO, showcasing the strength and depth of young women in mathematics across the country.

The 2026 US EGMO Team included, in alphabetical order: Kailua Cheng (California), age 18; Ekam Kaur (Texas), age 18; Xinyi Li (Texas), age 15; and Catherine Xu (Iowa), age 17. The team was led by Rachel Zhang and Serena An, who guided preparation and supported students throughout the competition experience.

Team members were selected through a highly competitive process that begins with the MAA American Mathematics Competitions (AMC). Top-performing students advance through a series of invitational competitions, with the strongest invited to the Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP), an intensive summer training experience designed to develop elite problem-solving skills.

The EGMO not only celebrates mathematical excellence but also fosters an international community of young women passionate about STEM, creating lasting connections across cultures and countries.

Support for the 2026 US EGMO Team was generously provided by Citadel and Citadel Securities.