The Road to Olympia TV show returns to Gia Lai for the first time: Hope to quench the 24-year 'thirst'

The entire class of 12C2A, Hung Vuong Specialized High School ( Gia Lai ), cheers on contestant Nguyen Quoc Nhat Minh before the final round - Photo: TRUONG QUANG HA

This is the first year that Gia Lai province has had a contestant reach the final round of the Olympia competition: Nguyen Quoc Nhat Minh, a student from Hung Vuong Specialized High School in Pleiku City.

Quenching the 24-year thirst for a path to the top of Olympia.

At each final round of the "Road to Olympia" competition, the honor is not reserved for the contestants but spreads throughout the education sector of each locality.

For a province like Gia Lai, which is having a contestant reach the final round for the first time, that joy and pride are multiplied many times over.

Ms. Le Thi Thu, the principal of Hung Vuong Specialized High School, could not hide her emotion as her favorite student was about to enter the race for the laurel wreath in just a few days.

Over the 24 years that the "Road to Olympia" program has been held, 24 outstanding students have been sent by the school. However, the "thirst" for excellence continues, as even the best contestants have only managed to win second place in the quarterly competitions.

Therefore, Ms. Thu confidently stated that Nhat Minh's achievement of reaching the final round this year is not only an honor for the school but also for all students in the province.

Supporters from Hung Vuong Specialized High School are actively practicing cheering for Nhat Minh in the upcoming final round - Photo: TRUONG QUANG HA

Sharing about the preparations for the final round, Ms. Thu said that all the work had been done by the school over the past few months. A team of excellent and passionate teachers was established by the school to further assist Minh in improving his knowledge, reflexes, and communication skills.

The school also organized a performing arts team that had been actively practicing for the past few weeks to perform and cheer up Minh at the live television broadcast location. At the same time, two teachers were sent to accompany Minh's family to Hanoi .

"The entire school pitched in, everyone doing their part to prepare for this event. Teachers and students alike felt immense joy and pride as this was the first time the live broadcast was brought to Pleiku," shared Ms. Thu.

According to the principal, Minh has strong inner strength but is introverted and has a calm demeanor. She excels in all subjects, even though she specializes in English, and is very humble and reserved. Minh has given students in the province the confidence that they can compete on equal footing with academically strong regions across the country.

Good at it comes from self-study, watching the news, and reading newspapers.

Before heading to Hanoi, Minh diligently studied in her small house in Thong Nhat alley, Pleiku City. Her mother, Nguyen Thi Hien, said that besides studying, she spent time playing sports and cycling to balance her emotions.

Minh's family advised him to stay relaxed and confident as he entered the competition. Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Van Xuan, Minh's father, expressed his gratitude to the provincial leaders, the education sector, and the school for their care, preparation, and support throughout the competition.

To encourage him, the whole family decided to go to Hanoi to cheer him on in person. Mr. Xuan said that this was an honor and a source of pride for Minh and his family and clan.

Nguyen Quoc Nhat Minh and his father review their knowledge before entering the Olympia competition - Photo: TAN LUC

Both of Minh's parents are teachers, and coupled with his innate talent from a young age, he is quick to grasp knowledge. Despite being a high-achieving student, it's noteworthy that he only studies on his own and doesn't attend extra classes, even though his parents encourage it.

In the days leading up to the competition, Minh took time off from school to focus on reviewing some necessary knowledge. He said that knowledge is vast, and the competition tests not only academic knowledge but also real-life skills. Therefore, Minh kept up-to-date by watching news programs and reading newspapers to enrich his understanding.

"I'm not too worried, and I'm not setting performance goals to put pressure on myself. I'm just focusing on showing my best and keeping a relaxed attitude," Minh said.

Reportedly, among the four contestants who advanced from the quarterly competition to the finals, Minh had the best score. However, he believes that having reached the finals, all his competitors are very strong, so he is being extremely cautious.

Minh's three rivals are Tran Trung Kien from Le Hong Phong High School, Phu Yen; Vo Quang Phu Duc from Quoc Hoc Specialized High School, Thua Thien Hue; and Nguyen Nguyen Phu from Hanoi University of Education Specialized High School.

The pride of the province's education sector.

Mr. Tran Ba ​​Cong, deputy director of the Gia Lai Provincial Department of Education and Training, said that the live broadcast of the final match in Gia Lai will be held at Dai Doan Ket Square, Pleiku City.

To prepare for this event, the education sector began preparations in August 2024. Before Minh's departure, the school and the department held a meeting to encourage him.

According to Mr. Cong, the fact that a contestant from the province made it to the final round of the competition for the first time has made the education sector very excited.

"Not only Minh and Hung Vuong High School, but Gia Lai province is very proud to have students in the finals, bringing the live broadcast to the province. This event is of great interest to students in the province, spreading the spirit of studiousness and overcoming difficulties to strive for success," - Mr. Cong shared.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cau-truyen-hinh-duong-len-dinh-olympia-lan-dau-ve-gia-lai-ky-vong-giai-con-khat-24-nam-20241009230311731.htm