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The Olympics aren’t the only competition taking place this summer, there’s also the U.S. LG National Texting Competition. And Austin Wierschke, 17, has become the reining champ for the second year in a row.
Wierschke, who hails from Rhinelander, Wis., is now deemed “the fastest texter in America,” according to the Associated Press.
His secret? “Abnormally fast thumbs,” he told the news source.
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The competition, which takes place in New York’s Times Square, tests texters on three skills: speed, accuracy, and dexterity. The thumb athletes must text blindfolded, know “text speak,” be able to copy phrases quickly, and text jumbled words. All competitors used the same LG Optimus Zip phone with QWERTY keyboard.
Wierschke excelled in all categories and won the $50,000 prize. He told the Associated Press that he plans to use the money for college. One of his competitors, Kelly Barracato, wasn’t surprised he won because before the competition she saw that “his thumbs were flying.”
