The first time China sent a team to IMO was in 1985. At that time, two students were sent to take part in the 26th IMO. Since 1986, China has always sent a team of 6 students to IMO except in 1998 when it was held in Taiwan. So far (up to 2006) , China has achieved the number one ranking in team effort for 13 times. A great majority of students have received gold medals. The fact that China achieved such encouraging result is due to, on
one hand, Chinese students’ hard working and perseverance, and on the other hand, the effort of teachers in schools and the training offered by national coaches. As we believe, it is also a result of the educational system in China, in particular, the emphasis on training of basic skills in science education.