From picking and analysing flowers to standing on national Life Sciences Olympiad stages, Delesha Rickilall’s love for biology isn’t just inspiring, it is taking her places. Next stop: Lithuania!
Westville, South Africa (10 June 2026) – Delesha Rickilall is living proof that hard work, passion, and perseverance can take you anywhere. From a young age, she has made the most of every opportunity in her path, driven by the knowledge that everything she achieves honours her late mother’s memory.
Ever since she was a child, Delesha has had a deep love for biology. From carefully examining flowers picked in the garden to playing with toy medical equipment, she was always keen to analyse and solve problems – an interest that stayed with her throughout the years.
In 2025, she participated in the Life Sciences Olympiad and advanced to the second round. In February of this year, she competed in that second round and placed first overall in the country.
Now, the Westville Girls’ High School matriculant has the incredible opportunity to represent South Africa at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) in Vilnius, Lithuania!
“We are incredibly proud of Grade 12 learner, Delesha Rickilall. This remarkable achievement is the result of years of dedication, academic excellence, and a passion for Biology that began in childhood. Delesha now has the opportunity to compete against some of the brightest young minds from over 80 countries,” the school said.
“As the daughter of a single father and driven by the memory of her late mother, Delesha has embraced every opportunity with determination and resilience. Now she looks forward to making South Africa proud and bringing back valuable knowledge and experiences to share with her peers.”
To make this dream a reality, Delesha is rallying support to raise R65,000 to cover travel, accommodation, registration, visas, meals, and other associated costs.
“I deeply appreciate any sort of contribution towards this endeavour. Whether the donation is great or small, every cent counts! I hope to share whatever knowledge and experience I may get in Lithuania with my peers and friends, so they may also develop a love and fondness for biology. I hope to make my country proud,” Delesha shared.
Every donation brings this young biologist one step closer to Lithuania and the chance to represent our country on the international stage.
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