FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, ON — August 20, 2026 — The Royal Canadian Geographical Society is celebrating
four Canadian students who competed in the 2026 International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) in
Istanbul, Türkiye this week. Two students Eric Lu and Kevin Liu earned silver and bronze
medals, respectively, among the world’s top secondary school geography students.
The International Geography Olympiad is the world’s premier academic competition for
secondary school students. Held under the auspices of the International Geographical Union
(IGU) and organized by the IGU Olympiad Commission, iGeo brings together outstanding young
geographers from around the world for a demanding series of examinations and field-based
challenges.
The 2026 competition was hosted at the Dedeman Istanbul Hotel, which served as the official
accommodation, examination and ceremony venue throughout the event week.
Lu’s silver medal marks his second consecutive iGeo medal, following the silver medal he
earned at last year’s competition in Bangkok. Liu added a bronze medal to Canada’s 2026
results.
The Canadian team consisted of:
- Zheng Wu, Oakville ON attends White Oaks Secondary School, Oakville.
- Tanya Guan, Oakville ON, attends White Oaks Secondary School, Oakville.
- Eric Lu, silver medal from Vancouver BC, attends Stratford Hall.
- Kevin Liu, bronze medal, from North York ON, attends York Mills Collegiate Institute.
Paul VanZant, a member of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s Board of Governors,
and Chair of the Education Committee co-coached the team along with Janet Ruest of
Chemainus, BC. Both VanZant and Ruest and accompanied Team Canada to Istanbul.
“All of us at the RCGS are proud of Zheng, Tanya, Kevin and Eric’s achievements. It was
wonderful to see Türkiye through their eyes. All were a credit to their parents, teachers and to
Canada, and it was wonderful to see all of them compete with so much skill and curiosity about
the world that surrounds us,” said VanZant.
Beyond the competition itself, the Canadian delegation had the opportunity to experience
Türkiye and explore its geography, culture and landscapes firsthand.
The Canadian team’s participation was supported by Kensington and the Trebek Family
Foundation, whose support helped make it possible for Canada’s young geographers to
compete on the international stage.
For more information please contact:
Rosemary Thompson
Senior Vice President, External
Royal Canadian Geographical Society
[email protected]
(613) 240-6739
