Grant Taylor, speller 136, blogs about his Bee experience. He's a two-time participant, and tied for 50th place in 2015.
The Texas eighth grader said he didn't move on to the Finals before, so it's nice to have improved.
"At least I did better than I did last time," he said.
Still, he didn't expect to win the whole thing.
"I don't think I studied enough," he said.
His word was obliviscence. It means forgetfulness.
"Sometimes people tell me that I show signs of obliviscence," Dr. Bailly said. "SDd I tell you that sometimes people tell me that I show signs of obliviscence?"
Grant scrunched up his nose and spelled, but knew as soon as he finished that he'd gotten it wrong.
"Nope," he said. He's out.