05.08.2026
Maximilian (economics): As team leaders, I believe motivating our contestants is super important. At the very beginning of the competition, we set three goals together as a team: First, to learn as much as possible. Second, to meet incredible, like minded people, and third, to win Switzerland’s first ever gold medal at the International Economics Olympiad.
Raphael (mathematics): There is no optimal strategy to push participants without overexerting or overstressing them, it depends on the individual participant. Some are naturally more easy going, some more tense.
Mathys (mathematics): For me the most important is being present in case they need individual support, in particular emotionally. Given that the team is made of six contestants who have proven their skill throughout the year, I want to make sure that they are aware of that and that they are in the best possible conditions to meet their goal.
Maximilian: Ambitious goals can create an incredible sense of team spirit and give everyone something exciting to work toward. At the same time, the journey has to be fun. We made sure that preparation wasn't just about studying and performing. Through game nights, karaoke, and simply spending time together, the contestants became close friends who supported one another. Ultimately, I think the best environment combines high ambition with a great experience.
Mathys: I am actually quite opposed to the concept of competition. I think it can be an efficient means for contestants to gain confidence in themselves, but it’s very important to deconstruct it and not see it as an end in itself. It is necessary to point out that the Science Olympiad (or more generally science) is not about competing against others, but rather competing against yourself and your own obstacles and becoming a better scientist, whatever better means.
Raphael: Quite the opposite really! I think that in 2023, when Mathys was the first Swiss participant to win gold again after many years, this showed our other participants that this is doable. They might not have worked as hard as they did without this role model. Of course, it can lead to frustration for some who strive for a specific goal but fall short. However, to avoid that, we shouldn’t silence the hype around our success stories but rather put emphasis on the exceptionality of the accomplishment.
Mathys: I think Science Olympiad does it in a nicely balanced manner. The hype is pleasant for the gold medalists and it gives us a platform to talk about what we do, but it’s important to not make everything revolve around the gold medalists, for example by interviewing other contestants too.
Raphael: Well, as many childhood stories told us: it’s not about the treasure and the gold, but the friends we made along the way. I think finding like minded friends is especially encouraging for our young mathematicians who excel at applying logic but sometimes don’t quite feel the need to participate in social trivialities. It is certainly easy to become friends with people with the same interests as you, and I believe this might be a kickstarter to some participants social life.
Annual theme “Look up!”: Who do we look up to? What do we see, when we look up — maybe using a telescope at the new Astronomy Olympiad? Just as a ship can use the stars to navigate, role models can help us find our path. In 2026 we meet inspiring people and those inspired by them. We present talent promotion practices worth looking up to. And we gaze at the sky. Subscribe to the newsletter or follow us on Instagram so you don’t miss anything!
