Sylvie Lamontagne

In the world of competitive spellers, Sylvie Lamontagne is known as a juggernaut. She placed fourth in last year's Scripps National Spelling Bee, and ninth in 2015. Last summer, she traveled to California and won the Spelling Bee of China's North America Spelling Champion Challenge, a contest for kids in the United States and China.

After two straight years of ties, the Scripps National Spelling Bee is adding more sting: The championship rounds will last longer, and the words will be harder.

In the world of competitive spellers, Sylvie Lamontagne is known as a juggernaut. She placed fourth in last year's Scripps National Spelling Bee, and ninth in 2015. Last summer, she traveled to California and won the Spelling Bee of China's North America Spelling Champion Challenge, a contest for kids in the United States and China.

After two straight years of ties, the Scripps National Spelling Bee is adding more sting: The championship rounds will last longer, and the words will be harder.