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Liss Marian, a student at IES Monte das Moas, has won medals in several mathematics olympiads in both Spain and Cuba. She has also participated in international competitions such as the International Math Olympiad and the European Girls’ Mathmatical Olympiad. Liss tells us how she discovered these competitions and the journey that led her to represent both Cuba and Spain at international mathematical olympiads.
How did you start competing in mathematics?
At first, I competed in other subjects, but I realized they weren’t really what I enjoyed. Eventually, I discovered that my true passion was mathematics.
Was there anyone in particular who inspired you to participate in mathematics competitions?
No. My greatest inspiration came when I joined and met my classmates. Seeing other students participate and successfully solve the problems was what motivated me.
When you first started competing, did you expect to win medals?
Not really. At first, I just wanted to have fun and make it through the problem set, but now I’m very happy with the results I’ve achieved.
How did you prepare for the Central American and Caribbean Mathematical Olympiad?
I prepared at home using books, studying problems from previous olympiads, and with the support of several teachers.
How did you win a bronze medal at the Pan-American Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad? Was the selection process to represent Cuba very difficult?
Yes, the selection process is always long and difficult. I believe I earned the bronze medal through consistent study and perseverance.
What was the preparation process like to represent Cuba at the International Mathematical Olympiad?
It was similar to the previous preparation, but this time it was much more demanding because the level of competition was significantly higher.
When you started competing in Spain, did you expect to be successful there?
Honestly, no. I wasn’t very familiar with how the system worked here. I knew the standard was very high and that the selection process was difficult, so the results came as a bit of a surprise.
How did you prepare to win a gold medal at the III Spanish Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad?
The preparation was similar, but this time I had to perform well in just a few exams. Since there were fewer opportunities, I couldn’t afford to make mistakes.
Has anything surprised you about participating in these events?
What has surprised me most is the incredible ability and creativity that people our age can have when solving complex problems.
Is competing in Spain very different from competing in Cuba in these olympiads?
Yes. In Cuba, we held the competitions online, whereas here they are mostly in person. That allows you to meet the other participants and spend time with them throughout the olympiad.
What advice would you give to students who want to win medals in mathematics competitions?
I would advise them to study hard, dedicate themselves to what they truly enjoy, and, above all, be very consistent in their work.
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