Florida seventh grader clinches victory in US spelling bee with “Abseil” triumph

In a thrilling display of linguistic prowess, 12-year-old Bruhat Soma from St. Petersburg, Florida, emerged victorious in the prestigious United States spelling bee competition on Thursday.

Facing stiff competition from fellow spellers, Soma showcased his mastery of intricate words, ultimately clinching the championship title with his flawless spelling of “abseil” in the final round.

Amidst a shower of colourful confetti, Soma’s triumph was announced by the organizer, Scripps National Spelling Bee, marking a momentous achievement for the seventh-grade student.

With his remarkable performance, Soma secured a prize of $50,000 and a championship trophy, cementing his status as the spelling bee champion.

Reflecting on his unexpected victory, Soma expressed his gratitude and disbelief during a post-win news conference, stating, “I never expected this.”

He credited his success to diligent preparation and unwavering determination throughout the competition.

During the intense spell-off tiebreaker, Soma impressively spelt 29 words correctly in just 90 seconds, outshining his competitors and securing his place at the top.

His exceptional spelling prowess propelled him ahead of 12-year-old Faizan Zaki from Dallas, Texas, who claimed the second-place spot.

Throughout the competition, Soma demonstrated his linguistic prowess by correctly spelling challenging words, including “cricetine” and “indumentum,” showcasing his remarkable command of the English language.

Notably, he accurately defined words such as “troglodyte” and “sine qua non,” further highlighting his depth of understanding and linguistic insight.

Soma’s victory in the US spelling bee competition is a testament to his dedication and perseverance, earning him well-deserved recognition and admiration.

As he basks in the glory of his achievement, Soma’s remarkable journey inspires aspiring spellers worldwide, reaffirming the transformative power of education and determination to realize one’s dreams.