As the world’s brightest young mathematical minds gathered last week at Australia’s Sunshine Coast for the biggest global maths competition of the year, one moment stood out before the contest had even begun.
During the opening ceremony for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), the audience erupted into lengthy cheers and applause as China’s six-person team was introduced among the more than 100 taking part.
The team was led by second-year Wuhan high school student Xu Qiming, who helped to carry China’s national flag as he shuffled unsteadily alongside his teammates while trying to manage his involuntary facial expressions.
Five days later, he would receive an even bigger ovation.
Qiming has cerebral palsy, a permanent brain disorder that was caused by a lack of oxygen, known as hypoxia, at birth. The condition disrupts his motor controls, such as body movements, coordination and balance.
Despite his lifelong physical challenges, Xu showed early promise in mathematics and has since distinguished himself on the highly competitive Chinese team.
