British pupil claims his gold in Chemistry Olympiad
Alcester teenager David Edey collected his larger-than-life gold medal from science minister David Willetts today after defeating hundreds of students from around the world in a global chemistry competition. David, 18, became one of the world’s top three chemistry students after winning gold at the International Chemistry Olympiad 2011.
He scored an almost perfect 94.8 per cent in the gruelling final exam of the 43rd International Chemistry Olympiad, held in Turkey earlier this year. David was competing against 272 students from 70 countries.
David collected his giant medal – produced by the Royal Society of Chemistry to mark the beginning of Olympic year in the UK – at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
David said: “I had an amazing time taking part in the competition. Both in meeting chemists from across the world and experiencing all the food and culture that Turkey has to offer!
“I’d like to thank the mentors who put in a lot of time and work to get us ready for the competition, but also of course to the staff at the Royal Society of Chemistry for all the time and money they put in to organising everything; and also to INEOS for providing the funding for the UK team. It really is an amazing competition, and a brilliant showcase for chemistry.”
Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: “This is a great achievement and yet more evidence that the UK is home to some of the best science talent in the world. I’m confident David has a bright future and hope his success inspires other young people to pursue science studies and careers.”
David is now studying mathematics at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, but hoped to put his chemistry knowledge to good use in later years of his course. He said: “When applying to university, I spent a long time torn between maths and natural sciences or chemistry, especially after the experience of the International Chemistry Olympiad in Japan last year!”
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