Patel no longer a force at National Spelling Bee

Wed, May 28, 2008 - 2:25 PM

A speller many analysts predicted to win the 2008 spelling bee isn't in attendance this year.

Samir Patel, a Dallas speller who came in third place at the age of nine, has been a force in the spelling bee scene over the past five years. While he was never able to win the national contest, he was the runner-up in 2005 and was asked to speak at the 2007 opening ceremony of the bee. Part of "American Bee" by James Maguire chronicled his spelling efforts, and he was often featured on national television in game shows and other events.

His early exit in the fifth round of the 2007 bee brought a collective gasp from the audience, and many were once again shocked this year to not see Patel's name on the list of spellers.

Patel, famous for his on-stage emotions, is now too old to participate in the bee, and while he says he misses the people, he doesn't miss the thousands of hours he studied for annual participation or the heartbreak that came along with losing.

He is currently taking college classes and is involved in politics and science research while living a seemingly normal life outside of the spelling bee.

If you want to learn more about Patel, there was a very in-depth profile written by Elizabeth Merrill on ESPN's website this afternoon. The link is provided below.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3414046

-Josh Dawsey