
Stephen Perse Cambridge Year 12 student, Kseniia S. competed at the International AI Olympiad in Slovenia in February 2026, winning a gold medal.
Run under the auspices of UNESCO, the Olympiad invited national winners from 24 countries, including the USA and China. The Olympiads in AI are still in their infancy and this was the third individual event since 2024. Kseniia is currently the only female gold medallist amongst the competitors at these initial three events and hopes that this will change soon! She writes:
“The competition had two five-hour rounds. The scientific round was akin to mathematical competitions: under a ticking clock, we derived and proved algorithms in machine learning and considered ethics that shape our systems. In the practical round, we developed a predictive healthcare model using users’ previous medical history.
Slovenia, with its enchanting mountains and verdant forests, inspired lively discussions on life and AI, shaping the Olympiad into an experience that rewarded my year-long preparation and gave clarity to my goals.
I am very grateful to our Sixth Form for treating these opportunities with understanding and consideration, despite them sometimes happening during term time, and seeing them as engagements that can shape my university and professional careers. Our school values ambition and individual growth, trusting me to be able to handle my education together with important international events.”