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Cuban student Sergio Daniel Santiesteban Sarmiento, from the IPVCE Vladimir Ilich Lenin in Havana, received an Honorable Mention in the 55th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), which concluded this Thursday in Paris, France.
The result was confirmed by Juventud Técnica, which highlighted the young man's achievement in competing among nearly 400 high-level students from 94 countries in one of the most challenging scientific competitions in the world.
His teammate, Roimer Capote Brizuela, from the IPVCE Ernesto Che Guevara in Villa Clara, came just half a point away from achieving a distinction as well.
This edition of the Olympics took place against a geopolitical backdrop marked by absences and restrictions imposed by certain countries: Israel participated under its flag, while five students from Russia competed without being able to use theirs.
Palestine was not represented, and unlike the previous edition held in Iran (which was attended by only 44 countries), this time nearly one hundred delegations participated, including an Iranian team.
Juventud Técnica clarified that the International Committee of the IPhO is not responsible for these limitations, and that its goal remains "to build bridges among young people for a better future."
Santiesteban's performance also marks Cuba's return to the list of countries with results in this international competition, after six years of absence.
The last time a Cuban student received an Honorable Mention was at the 49th edition held in Lisbon, Portugal, when Martín Ávila González achieved that recognition.
Currently, Ávila has graduated from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Havana.
With this achievement, Cuban students have accumulated to date 3 Silver Medals, 10 Bronze Medals, and 13 Honorable Mentions in the history of the International Physics Olympiads, held since 1967.
Other young Cubans have also been recognized in these types of competitions, showcasing the talent that emerges even amidst challenging educational conditions.
Last year, a Cuban student
In 2023, several students from the country won medals at the Ibero-American Physics Olympiad, where they excelled in their performance among representatives from across the region.
These results reflect the commitment and preparation of the participants, as well as the efforts of their teachers, despite the technological and material limitations of the Cuban educational system.
The achievements of Cuban youth are not limited to the field of physics. In the most recent edition of the Ibero-American University Mathematics Olympiad, Cuban youths won eight medals, demonstrating a strong preparation in key areas of logical and abstract thinking.
Similarly, university students from Havana were granted special slots to participate in international programming competitions, competing globally with teams of high technical expertise.
In another recent competition, several students received Honorary Mentions at an international chemistry olympiad, reinforcing a trend of positive results for the Cuban delegation in various fields of the exact sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions about the International Physics Olympiad and Cuban Achievements
What did the Cuban student Sergio Daniel Santiesteban achieve at the 2025 International Physics Olympiad?
Sergio Daniel Santiesteban Sarmiento received an Honorable Mention at the 55th International Physics Olympiad held in Paris, France. This achievement highlights his ability to compete with nearly 400 high-level students from 94 countries.
How many medals and mentions has Cuba received in the history of the International Physics Olympiads?
As of now, Cuba has won 3 silver medals, 10 bronze medals, and 13 honorable mentions in the history of the International Physics Olympiad, which has been held since 1967.
Why was Sergio Daniel Santiesteban's achievement significant for Cuba?
The achievement of Sergio Daniel Santiesteban marks Cuba's return to the list of countries with results in this international competition after six years of absence. The last time a Cuban student received an Honorable Mention was in the 49th edition in Lisbon, Portugal.
How did the International Physics Olympiad 2025 unfold in a complex geopolitical context?
The 2025 edition took place in a context characterized by absences and restrictions. Israel participated under its flag, while students from Russia competed without theirs. Palestine was not represented, and nearly one hundred delegations participated, including an Iranian team, unlike the previous edition held in Iran with only 44 countries.
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