- 10-Year-Old from Oriental Mindoro Takes Home Gold in International Science Olympiad
- Filipino Student, 10, Wins Gold Medal at Copernicus Olympiad in Texas
- Youngest Filipino Competitor Shines at Copernicus Olympiad with Gold Medal Win
John Mariñas, a 10-year-old Grade 5 student from the small town of Gloria in Oriental Mindoro, has proven that age is no barrier to achieving great things. He recently bagged a gold medal at the 6th Copernicus Olympiad held in Houston, Texas, besting competitors from around the globe in the Natural Science category.
John's victory was unexpected, even for him. Despite feeling nervous during the exam, he managed to stay calm and focused, ultimately securing 3rd place in Category 2 (Grade 5-6). This remarkable achievement highlights his exceptional understanding of scientific concepts at such a young age.The Copernicus Olympiad is a prestigious international competition that challenges students in various fields, including natural science, physics, astronomy, film, entrepreneurship, and mathematics.
John's participation, along with five other Filipino students, showcased the talent and potential of young Filipinos on a global stage. John's father, June Mariñas, expressed his surprise and pride at his son's accomplishment. He shared how the family's anticipation grew as the announcements progressed from honorable mention to bronze and then silver, with John's name absent from each. Their excitement peaked when John's name was finally called for the gold medal.
"It's still hard to grasp that we, from a small town in Oriental Mindoro, were given the opportunity to compete internationally. And not just to compete, but to win gold!" exclaimed June Mariñas.
John's journey into the world of science began early. His curiosity led him to explore science videos and conduct experiments in his free time. His parents, both doctors, nurtured his inquisitive mind by answering his questions about the world around him and their work at the hospital.
"He watches videos about the Milky Way, galaxies, physics, geology – a wide range of scientific topics. He's not focused on just one branch of science," shared his father.
Despite his passion for science, John remains a well-rounded child who enjoys playing sports, especially basketball. While his future career path remains open, he is certain about pursuing a career in science, a journey fully supported by his parents.
John's story serves as an inspiration to young Filipinos everywhere. His achievement in the Copernicus Olympiad highlights the importance of nurturing curiosity and providing opportunities for children to excel in their chosen fields.
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