New | High drama as teenagers share Scripps National Spelling Bee honours
Two American teenagers of South Asian heritage have made spelling history by becoming the first co-winners of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in more than half a century.
Two American teenagers of South Asian heritage have made spelling history by becoming the first co-winners of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in more than half a century.
In the nail-biting finale, Hathwar correctly spelled stichomythia, meaning a dialogue of altercation in Greek drama.
Then Sujoe stepped up to the microphone and learned he and Hathwar would be co-champions if he nailed the last word of the night.
He did. It was feuilleton, a noun for a newspaper supplement, which he spelled flawlessly despite admitting later that he’s sometimes uncomfortable with French-based words.
“Correct,” said official pronouncer Jacques Bailly, a classics professor and 1980 bee champion, triggering a shower of confetti and a standing ovation from the ballroom crowd in the Gaylord resort outside Washington.
The first joint champions since 1962 will each take home their own trophy cups as well as more than US$30,000 in cash prizes, savings bonds and reference works.