Abseil: The Word That Made Indian-Origin Boy Spelling Bee Winner
In a dazzling display of linguistic prowess, 12-year-old Indian-American prodigy Bruhat Soma from Tampa, Florida, clinched the prestigious title at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Bruhat’s exceptional ability to navigate through a series of challenging words culminated in his final victorious spelling of the word "abseil" on May 30, 2024, in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The word "abseil" is derived from German and means to descend a rock face or other near-vertical surface by using a double rope coiled around the body and fixed at a higher point. This technique is commonly used in mountaineering and rock climbing. Bruhat’s mastery of such a specialized term not only demonstrates his expansive vocabulary but also his capacity to understand and spell words that are outside everyday usage. Bruhat's journey to victory was marked by intense competition and unwavering dedication. In the final tiebreaker round, he outshone his formidable opponent, Faizan Zaki of Texas, ...
