Lam Son High School twins reach the top of the national mathematics competition.

Two friends, two brothers

On the afternoon of January 19th, the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) announced the results of the national high school student excellence competition for the 2025-2026 academic year. In Mathematics, one of the most competitive subjects, the Thanh Hoa delegation won 3 first prizes. Notably, two of these were won by twins Le Vinh Ky and Le Phuc Khanh, students of class 12T2, Lam Son High School for the Gifted, with the same score of 29/40.

Le Vinh Ky (far left) and Le Phuc Khanh (far right) at the send-off ceremony at Lam Son High School for the Gifted. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

This result is not only rare because of the coincidence in scores, but also special because both started on the same team, studied in the same specialized math class, and went through a parallel learning journey for many years.

Their journey began in their early high school years, when both of them showed early aptitude in mathematics and were consistently selected for the school's elite teams. In 10th grade, Khanh won second prize in the regional mathematics competition for gifted students in the Northern Coastal and Delta regions. In 11th grade, she continued to win second prize in the national student-to-university Olympiad.

Twin brothers Le Vinh Ky (right) and Le Phuc Khanh (left) are both classmates and brothers. Photo: Dinh Minh

Meanwhile, Ky also gradually accumulated knowledge through major competitions. In 11th grade, she won third prize in both of the aforementioned competitions and second prize in the national excellent student competition, creating an important foundation for her breakthrough in the following school year.

Based on their achievements, both continued to adjust their study methods, increase the intensity of their training, and aim for higher goals in their final year of high school. Entering the national excellent student selection exam for the 2025-2026 school year, Ky and Khanh reached the pinnacle by jointly winning first prize, bringing great success to the Thanh Hoa Mathematics team.

Ky and Khanh are diligently studying to participate in the 2026 Olympic team selection exam. Photo: Dinh Minh

With these results, these two students are among the 11 students from Lam Son High School for Gifted Students selected by the Ministry of Education and Training to participate in the 2026 Olympic team selection exam, scheduled to be held at the end of March 2026.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Son, Principal of Lam Son High School for the Gifted, said that it is rare for twins to both participate in the national gifted student team, but for both to win high awards like Ky and Khanh is even more special. According to Mr. Son, two years ago, the school also had a pair of twins who both won first prize in Biology at the national level, namely Nguyen Le Thanh Cong and Nguyen Le Bao Long.

Family is the pillar of support for the two brothers. Photo: Provided by the family.

"What's valuable isn't just the results, but the fact that you've all embarked on a serious, persistent, and in-depth learning journey together. Your achievements today affirm that the school's top-tier training quality is not a fleeting phenomenon, but a legacy passed down through generations," Mr. Son affirmed.

A routine, a learning journey

Behind Ky and Khanh's impressive achievements lies a well-maintained routine that has been in place for many years. With a father who is a Coast Guard officer working far from home and a mother who is a primary school teacher at a local center, the two brothers developed self-discipline and a sense of responsibility in their studies and daily lives from a young age.

Teacher Bui Van Binh praised the two brothers for their persistent dedication to learning. Photo: Dinh Minh

Due to the nature of his job, their father was often away from home since they were young, only visiting the family once or twice a month. In this situation, their mother became their closest support system, directly shaping their study habits and daily routines.

Without imposing or putting pressure on them to achieve high grades, she patiently built up a habit of regular studying in her children, teaching them to respect time and take responsibility for their own learning. "Mom never forced us to win this or that award; she only reminded us to study thoroughly, consistently, and maintain discipline," Kỳ shared.

Ky is grateful to his mother for patiently instilling good habits in both brothers. Photo: Dinh Minh

Every day, after school, Ky and Khanh help their mother with household chores, then sit down to study together from 8 PM. At 11 PM, they stop to rest. The next morning, the two brothers wake up at 6 AM, get ready, have breakfast, and then go to school. "The two brothers have maintained this routine for many years; it started as a habit, then became discipline, and finally a self-driven need," Khanh said.

Maintaining that discipline, combined with the unique learning environment at Lam Son Specialized High School, helped the two brothers gradually improve themselves. In a serious learning environment with an in-depth curriculum, Ky and Khanh were trained in independent thinking, self-learning ability, and perseverance, never giving up in the face of challenges.

Khanh said he wants to enroll in Hanoi University of Science and Technology after graduating from high school. Photo: Dinh Minh

Speaking about their future plans, Ky and Khanh said that after graduating from high school, they intend to enroll in Hanoi University of Science and Technology, choosing majors that can leverage their strengths in mathematics, such as Information Technology or Artificial Intelligence. Further down the line, they hope to win scholarships to study abroad to further expand their academic and research horizons.

Commenting on the 12th-grade twins from class 12T2, their homeroom teacher, Mr. Bui Van Binh, said that the two students have a genuine passion for mathematics, a serious attitude towards learning, and rare perseverance. "Ky and Khanh don't get discouraged by difficulties; they study very thoroughly, consistently, and persistently. In particular, I'm most impressed by their beautiful handwriting, which surpasses that of most students specializing in mathematics," Mr. Binh said.

Teacher Binh encourages the two brothers before the Olympic team selection exam. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.