Sure. But this was not the case with Szemeredi's work. It was recognised as great immediately, and Szemeredi was below 40 at the time. The problem was that his

Sure. But this was not the case with Szemeredi's work. It was recognised as great immediately, and Szemeredi was below 40 at the time. The problem was that his combinatorial approach was not considered to be deep enough to merit the medal.