Abstract
This article examines the role of physics Olympiads in the early identification and support of gifted students. Olympiad competitions not only deepen students' subject knowledge but also contribute to the development of their critical thinking, research skills, and creativity, making them an important educational tool. During the study, a survey was conducted among 9th–11th grade students to analyze their experience of participating in Olympiads and their academic achievements. The results showed that students who take part in Olympiads demonstrate higher performance in physics, possess strong motivation, and exhibit well-developed cognitive abilities. Additionally, it was found that Olympiad preparation positively influences students' future career choices. To assess the effectiveness of Olympiad participation, statistical analysis methods were used, allowing for a comparison between students who participated in Olympiads and those who did not. Based on the obtained data, effective strategies for supporting gifted students through the Olympiad system were proposed. The research findings confirm the importance of systematically integrating Olympiad activities into the educational system. Olympiads increase students' interest in scientific research and contribute to the development of their creative potential.