Leonard Toh, 17, from Raffles Secondary School in Singapore, was one of 40 students who won gold medals at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad, which took place in Dubai from July 5 to 14. Leonard ranked 19th out of 354 contestants from 90 countries and territories.
Leonard Toh's achievements have impressed the Singaporean media and public. The male student often suffers from dizziness and migraines due to chronic vestibular problems.
Members of the Singapore delegation at the 2025 International Chemistry Olympiad (from left to right): Josh Sng, Damien Lai, Leonard Toh and Yeo Tun Seng (Photo: Straits Times).
There was a time when the disease became so severe that Leonard Toh had to take nearly half a year off school for treatment. However, overcoming his health problems, Leonard Toh excelled in chemistry. He recently won the only gold medal for Singapore at the 2025 International Chemistry Olympiad.
The remaining three representatives of the Singapore delegation, Damien Lai (Raffles Secondary School), Yeo Tun Seng (Hwa Chong Secondary School) and Josh Sng (National University of Singapore High School of Science and Mathematics), are all 18 years old and all won silver medals.
Sharing with Singaporean media after returning home, male student Leonard Toh briefly talked about how he overcame his health problems: "When I was at a disadvantage, I had no other way but determination and hard work."
Leonard was diagnosed with vestibular migraine in August 2022. The severe vertigo made it impossible for him to get out of bed, making it difficult for him to move and perform daily activities. During this period, Leonard was often hospitalized due to loss of balance and falling repeatedly, leading to concussions. Leonard once took nearly half a year off from school to actively treat the disease.
“My academic performance was really bad, mainly because I missed so much school,” Leonard recalls. He now uses a walking stick because he often loses his balance.
Despite facing serious health problems, with the encouragement of his family, teachers and friends, Leonard is determined to pursue his goal of competing in the 2025 International Chemistry Olympiad.
In Singapore, the selection process for the International Chemistry Olympiad team begins with the Singapore Chemistry Olympiad held every October.
Students with high scores will be selected for the national team to practice advanced chemistry topics. They practice with 5-hour theoretical exams, similar to the theoretical exam at the International Chemistry Olympiad.
After that, only 8-10 best students will be selected to continue with the practical exam. Finally, they will go through an interview round to find 4 official representatives for the Singapore delegation.
Leonard said that when he took the exams at the International Chemistry Olympiad, he had mixed feelings of “pride, anxiety and insecurity”. He said that he did not complete the theoretical exam at the level of perfection he had expected.
Leonard Toh (far left) often has to use a cane when moving (Photo: Straits Times).
However, looking back on his experience at the International Chemistry Olympiad, Leonard said: “In addition to the academic competition, this competition gives contestants the opportunity to meet friends from many countries, sharing the same love of chemistry.
The feeling of being a member of a large community with the same passion helps me have meaningful exchanges with international friends and build some connections. I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with you to continue sharing my love of chemistry in the future.”
Leonard said he wants to major in chemistry in college and aim for a career in academic research.
Regarding Leonard’s achievements, Raffles High School representative officially shared: “Since the age of 14, Leonard has had to live with health problems. Going to school every day became very difficult for him, seriously affecting his academic results. But above all, he found joy and meaning in studying chemistry.
He persevered. Leonard’s story is a powerful reminder that the path to success is different for everyone. With determination and persistent effort, we can eventually reach our dreams.”
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/nam-sinh-gianh-huy-chuong-vang-olympic-hoa-hoc-quoc-te-du-dau-dau-man-tinh-20250801112027967.htm
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