GL: In Serbia, math contests start in third grade. At first, I went just for the sandwiches they gave out! But eventually, I got into it seriously, especially after the Junior Science Olympiad was canceled in 2020, and I shifted my focus to math. I’ve been doing Math Olympiads for three or four years. I’ve been to the IMO three times, and in 2021, I just barely missed making the team. I’ve also been to other international contests, like a fun summer camp with a contest in Beijing in 2023/24.
GTF: What do you enjoy about the international aspect of these competitions?
GL: It’s really cool meeting people from different cultures. Coming from Serbia, I didn’t meet many people from diverse backgrounds growing up, so it’s exciting to interact with people from all over the world. At the IMO in the UK, it felt like every famous mathematician was there, including Terence Tao and Timothy Gowers. That was amazing.
GTF: Has your mindset toward competitions changed over time?
GL: Definitely. When I was younger, I was obsessed with results and the IMO Hall of Fame. But now, I don’t focus on medals or scores as much. I’ve realized that sometimes you solve hard problems, and other times you make mistakes on easy ones. Now, I just enjoy solving problems that are fun without stressing about the results. Focusing too much on results can turn you into a bit of a gambling addict, always chasing the next win. It’s better to enjoy the process and focus on the math. Some people think gold medalists are inherently more valuable, but that’s not true. You should focus on what you enjoy, not just on arbitrary results.
GTF: How are you feeling about heading to university?
GL: I’m really excited. I’ve been doing contest math for so long, and I feel like I’ve hit a plateau. University will bring new challenges, and I’m looking forward to studying in the UK. I feel like I don’t know much about math beyond what I’ve learned for contests. There’s so much more to explore, and I’m looking forward to building a solid foundation at university. I’m a bit nervous about how fast-paced it will be, but I’m ready for it.
GTF: What do you enjoy outside of math?
GL: I love nature and hiking. I spend a lot of time in the mountains, and I enjoy swimming and running. I’m more into single-player sports than team sports because I think they’re more challenging psychologically, which relaxes me, counter-intuitively.
GTF: Any plans for the rest of your summer?
GL: Yeah, I’m going to a monastery in Greece called Mount Athos. It’s completely cut off from civilization, and no women are allowed. The monks there are self-sufficient, and it’s a humbling experience. I also have two dogs—a Miniature Schnauzer and a rescue dog—and I’m a big Metallica fan!
