The United States is hosting the 42nd International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in the summer of 2001. The IMO is the premier international mathematics competition for high school students and it will bring to the U.S. more than 500 of the most talented high school age mathematicians from more than 80 countries.
During the competition, students work individually over a two-day period on six challenging problems, presenting their solutions as essay-style proofs akin to those produced by research mathematicians. While in this country, students are treated to American hospitality, visiting attractions in and around the Capital and experiencing American life and culture. At the closing awards ceremony outstanding performances are honored by the awarding of gold, silver and bronze medals to students scoring in the top half of the field.
A number of outreach and research activities are planned as a way of enhancing public understanding of appreciation of mathematics and to engage a larger number of young Americans in mathematics.
