The victory brought pride not only to Bac Ninh Province but also to Vietnam's national team, continuing the school's tradition of excellence in international academic competitions.

Ta Ngoc Minh (first from left) stands on the podium after winning the gold medal at the 2026 International Physics Olympiad in Colombia.

Earlier this year, Minh said he felt fortunate to study at Bac Ninh High School for the Gifted, where he had access to some of the province's best teachers and was inspired by former students who had excelled on the international stage.

Among those role models was Nguyen Tuan Phong, an alumnus three years ahead of him who won a gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad in 2023.

Minh credited his teachers for playing a crucial role in his journey. Beyond providing academic guidance, they offered encouragement and support throughout the demanding preparation process, helping him overcome pressure and maintain motivation.

Before departing for Colombia, Minh said he was aware of the expectations placed on him by his teachers, family and friends, despite not being subjected to direct pressure. The expectations were heightened after Bac Ninh High School for the Gifted produced three international Olympiad medalists in 2025.

According to Vuong Ba Huy, Vice Principal of the school, Minh's gold medal was "a surprise, but not an unexpected one."

Speaking at a send-off ceremony for Vietnam's IPhO team in Hanoi on July 2, Huy said Minh had consistently ranked among the strongest members of the national team during training camps and mock examinations, frequently placing second among Vietnam's competitors.

Minh had earlier won a silver medal at the 2026 Asian Physics Olympiad, a competition widely regarded as comparable in difficulty to the international event due to the participation of leading physics teams from countries and territories including China, South Korea, Russia and Taiwan.

His strong and stable performance throughout the preparation period reinforced teachers' confidence that he was capable of winning gold at the international level.

Ta Ngoc Minh (far right) and other Vietnamese students pose with their awards at the competition.

Teachers also highlighted Minh's family background. His parents both work in the police sector, while his father, Ta Ngoc Dung, is a former mathematics student at Bac Ninh High School for the Gifted and was himself a member of the province's national chemistry competition team during his school years.

Pham Dinh Hiep, a physics teacher who accompanied the Vietnamese team to Colombia, said Minh's victory reflected years of dedication and exceptional ability rather than a surprise result.

Looking ahead, Minh said he hopes to pursue a long-term career related to physics, a subject he has developed a deep passion for. He added that his parents and family fully support his aspirations and respect his personal choices.

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