What is really remarkable about Zaila’s win is that, unlike many previous winners, she does not see spelling as her primary focus. Most competitive spellers start from a very young age, but Zaila only got into spelling a couple of years ago, and sees it more as a fun hobby she enjoys doing on the side. Zaila’s main passion is basketball, as she currently holds three Guinness world records for dribbling multiple basketballs simultaneously. She can even dribble three basketballs while riding a unicycle, as she showcased her talent in a video on Twitter that received over 400,000 views. “I kind of thought I would never be into spelling again, but I’m also happy that I’m going to make a clean break from it,” Zaila said. “I can go out, like my Guinness world records, just leave it right there, and walk off.” talent
