Math Team Canada prepares to depart for International Mathematical Olympiad in Hong Kong

Math elites train in Banff Canada’s best math minds prepare for the math Olympiad. More from Kevin Green

The six members of Canada’s Math Olympiad team are in Banff fine tuning their skills in preparation for a prestigious international competition.

“You have to focus all your mental energy on figuring out what’s going on and it can be pretty intense,” explained Kevin Sun, a math Olympian, of his training. “I think it tires you out like physical training does.”

The team, comprised of high school students, includes some of the nation’s bright young mathematicians. On Sunday, the squad will represent Canada in Hong Kong at the International Mathematical Olympiad.

“We should take pride in our Math Olympiad team just like we take pride in our Olympic team,” said coach Hunter Spink. “The fact we can produce so many talented people says a lot about our educational system.”

The Math Olympians will compete against teams representing more than 100 nations.

(With files from CTV's Kevin Green)