Behind the achievement is a story of perseverance, intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to understanding the natural world. Speaking after returning from Sweden, Khang remained characteristically modest, choosing to focus less on his medal than on the people and experiences that shaped his journey.
▪ What was your first thought when you learned you had won a silver medal at EuPhO 2026?
— I felt happy, relieved and emotional. The medal represents many months of intensive preparation and hard work. My first thoughts were of my teachers, my family and everyone who supported me throughout the journey.
Looking back, I am satisfied with my performance. EuPhO is an extremely competitive competition that brings together outstanding students from many countries.
Although I believe I could have done even better if I had stayed calmer during the examination, the experience has given me valuable lessons that will help me continue improving.
▪ What first sparked your interest in Physics?
- My interest began with curiosity about the world around me. Everyday phenomena such as light, sound and motion made me wonder why they happen and what principles govern them.
As I studied further, I realised Physics is much more than formulas or calculations. To me, it is a way of explaining the world through logical reasoning and scientific models. What fascinates me most is that every problem can be explored from different perspectives, leading to new questions and deeper understanding.
That curiosity has continued to drive my passion for Physics.
▪ What do you consider the turning point in your academic journey?
— Joining the Physics Olympiad team was the biggest turning point. It changed the way I approached learning. Instead of simply finding the correct answer, I began asking why a solution worked.
That approach helped me understand concepts more deeply and develop the habit of questioning everything I learned. It also showed me that education is not only about acquiring knowledge but about training your thinking and discovering your own potential.
I am deeply grateful to my teachers and my school for their guidance and for creating opportunities to learn and conduct research. The provincial Department of Education gave me the chance to join the Olympiad team through its selection process. My family provided constant encouragement, while my friends helped me through the most stressful periods of preparation.
▪ EuPhO tests not only knowledge but also composure under pressure. What experience in Sweden left the strongest impression on you?
— The experimental examination stands out the most.
At one point, my measurements produced errors that were much larger than expected, and time was running out. I felt tremendous pressure because I knew it could affect my entire result.
Instead of rushing, I stayed calm, carefully checked each step, identified the source of the discrepancy and adjusted the way I processed the data.
That experience taught me that scientific knowledge is essential, but so are patience, careful thinking and the ability to adapt when unexpected situations arise.
Beyond the competition itself, meeting students from many different countries also left a lasting impression. Despite our different languages and cultures, we all shared the same passion for science, which broadened my perspective on the world.
▪ Aside from the medal, what did you gain from the competition?
— I gained experiences and lessons that cannot be learned from textbooks.
EuPhO allowed me to experience an international academic environment, introduced me to different ways of thinking and showed me how young people from many countries pursue science with passion.
It reminded me that learning is not simply about solving problems or achieving results. It is about developing your mindset, strengthening your adaptability and learning how to face new challenges.
For me, the most meaningful part was not the medal itself but the process of identifying my mistakes and improving through them. The silver medal marks an important milestone, but the real value lies in everything I learned along the way.
▪ You are the only student from Gia Lai to receive an exemption from the 2026 national high school graduation examination and direct university admission. What are your plans for the future?
— I am considering studying Physics or Engineering at a university with strong research capabilities.
I am especially interested in theoretical physics, optics and high-technology fields. At the moment, I want to take time to explore my options carefully before making a final decision. What I know for certain is that I will continue pursuing study and research in the field that I love.
In the years ahead, I hope to study in a research-oriented environment where I can tackle new scientific problems while developing my knowledge and analytical skills. Ultimately, I hope to apply what I learn to contribute to scientific and technological development.
▪ What message would you like to share with students in Gia Lai?
— The EuPhO silver medal is an unforgettable achievement, but it is not my final goal. The most valuable rewards are the lessons I learned about perseverance, independent learning and believing in the path I have chosen.
I want to encourage students in Gia Lai to pursue what they genuinely love. What matters is not where you begin but how determined you are to keep moving forward.
I believe students in Gia Lai have tremendous potential. With clear goals and strong determination, they can confidently step onto bigger stages, continue learning, prove themselves and make their hometown proud.
Nguyễn Vũ Mạnh Khang, a 12th-grade Physics major at Lê Quý Đôn High School for the Gifted, has just won a silver medal at the 2026 European Physics Olympiad (EuPhO), one of the world’s most prestigious physics competitions, alongside the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) and the Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO).
Previously, he achieved many outstanding results in academic competitions, such as: second prize in the 2026 National Physics Olympiad; first prize in the provincial Olympiad for 11th and 12th graders in 2025–2026; third prize in the 2023–2024 provincial Olympiad; and gold and silver medals at various domestic Physics Olympiads.
Notably, Mạnh Khang is also the only student from Gia Lai province to be exempted from the national high school graduation exam and granted direct university admission in 2026.