Redhill School Grade 12 learner Ella Fanucchi represented South Africa at the 37th International Biology Olympiad in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Ella was selected as one of only four South African learners chosen to compete at the prestigious international competition, which brings together outstanding high school biology learners from around the world.

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She described receiving the news as one of the happiest moments of her life. “It was one of the happiest, but also the most unreal moments of my life. I was like, Wow, in a few weeks I’m just going to go to Lithuania. I don’t think I have ever hugged my mum that tightly,” said Ella.

Although excited, she admitted that representing South Africa on the world stage also came with some nerves.

“It was also a bit scary, just the idea of having to be away from my family for a week and competing against the best in the world at something I’m so passionate about.”

Ella travelled to Lithuania in the middle of her examinations. As an International Baccalaureate learner, she said balancing olympiad preparation with schoolwork required careful prioritisation.

“I wrote my biology exam about three days before I left, so I had to focus on that as well. But it was also months of revision, reading articles I found interesting and trying to learn as much as I could.”

One of the highlights of the competition was the practical component, where learners were exposed to laboratory equipment not commonly available in many South African school labs.

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“I was insanely unprepared for the practicals, but they were some of the most fun tests of my life. I had never had so much fun failing an exam.”

Ella said her love for biology began when she was about 10 years old and first started learning natural sciences.

“I’m a really curious person by nature. I love solving problems, and that’s a valuable skill for olympiads.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Ella Fanucchi speaks about her experience at the International Biology Olympiad on July 22, 2026. Video: Duduzile Khumalo #Johannesburg #SouthAfrica #LocalNews #TikTokNews #tiktoknews #BreakingNews #cityofjoburg #satiktok_sa #foryourpage #localnews #Sandton #2026 #Schools #Backtoschool ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Beyond the competition itself, the friendships she formed with learners from countries including Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Philippines became one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.

“We became our own Google. We would ask each other questions and solve problems together the whole time.”

Reflecting on the opportunity, Ella encouraged younger learners to pursue their interests wholeheartedly.

“Just be passionate. Take every opportunity to learn, be curious and don’t be afraid to reach out to people. You’re never too young to become an expert at something.”

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