“That gap in a quarterly competition is huge since all competitors are outstanding. I was worried but determined to push harder, thinking faster in the Obstacle Course and vowed to be the first who solves the Obstacle. If I didn’t, I’d likely lose. Thankfully, I could do this,” Lam recalled.

However, the 11th-grader said his most exciting moment occurred when he got the right to answer the questions and give true answers to them at the Finish Line round. Each question of the round gave 30 points, thus helping win the first position after the competition.

Lam said he started watching and loving Road to Olympia when he was a third grader. He often watched the TV show and did not miss a match. “Back then, sitting in front of the TV, I dreamed competing on the Olympia stage one day and tackling its questions,” he said.

Lam has worked and studied seriously to prepare for Road to Olympia. He reviews and reads documents to grasp new knowledge. He has also watched TV news more regularly to broaden his general knowledge.

“Reviewing allowed me to give a true answer to the question about the HIV virus replication process in the human body during the quarterly match,” Lam noted.

In class, Lam focuses on teachers’ lessons. In addition to textbooks, he reads books and articles, particularly history.

Lam said he is better at social science subjects, especially English. He believes self-study is crucial, and primarily studies independently at home.

Bui Van Phi, principal of Cai Be High School, described Nhut Lam as an outstanding student. Recently, Lam won second place in the provincial English competition for gifted students.

“His knowledge and general understanding are excellent. Lam is diligent and has remarkable self-learning ability. Though quiet and reserved, he’s very sociable,” Phi said.

Lam is now a natural science major student. “Teachers say in class that Lam is the student who ‘never wants to rest.’ He absorbs lessons passionately, always eager to learn more. While others might want a break, Lam asks to keep studying,” his teacher said.

Thanh Hung