Zaila Avant-garde

Zaila Avant-garde is an American spelling bee champion, born on November 30, 2007, in Harvey, Louisiana. She is widely recognized as an outstanding spelling bee competitor, being the first African-American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in its 96-year history. Zaila began her spelling bee journey in 2019 and reached significant milestones, including winning the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee. She is also a gifted basketball player with three Guinness World Records to her credit.

Zaila is known for her sharp memory, focus, and determination. She has received numerous accolades both in spelling and basketball, becoming an inspiration to many young people across the globe.

Off the stage and court, Zaila is also recognized for her aspiration to inspire young girls, especially those of color, to reach their full potential.

Spelling Bee Competitions

• Early Career: Zaila started her spelling bee journey in 2019. She participated in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, where she placed 370th. This experience fueled her determination to do better in future competitions.

Scripps National Spelling Bee (2021)

• Historic Win: In 2021, Zaila won the Scripps National Spelling Bee, making history as the first African-American winner in the competition's long-standing history.

Basketball

• Guinness World Records: Beyond her spelling achievements, Zaila is also a proficient basketball player, holding three Guinness World Records for her dribbling skills.

Not Applicable

• Position: Not only a spelling bee champion but also a basketball player.
• Skills: Known for her sharp memory, concentration, basketball dribbling, and juggling skills.

• Family: Zaila is the daughter of Alma Heard and Jawara Spacetime. She was homeschooled by her parents.
• Aspirations: Zaila aspires to attend Harvard University, play in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), and work for NASA.

• Zaila Avant-garde is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent in spelling and basketball but also for her perseverance and determination. Her impact on the spelling bee community and her status as an inspiration extend beyond the competitions, inspiring millions of young people around the world.

Scripps National Spelling Bee:

• Winner in 2021

Guinness World Records in Basketball:

• Most bounce juggles in one minute (four basketballs)
• Most basketballs dribbled simultaneously by a person (six basketballs)
• Most basketball bounces (307 bounces) in 30 seconds

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Books

• Not applicable

Websites

• Scripps National Spelling Bee: Information about Zaila’s spelling bee career and achievements. Available at: https://www.spellingbee.com
• Guinness World Records: Details about Zaila’s world records in basketball. Available at: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com

Articles

• ESPN: Zaila Avant-garde makes history with National Spelling Bee win. Available at: https://www.espn.com
• The Guardian: Zaila Avant-garde: Scripps National Spelling Bee champ is far from typical. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• Time: Meet Zaila Avant-garde, the 14-Year-Old Who Made Spelling Bee History. Available at: https://www.time.com