The competition that has become emblematic of America– shoving as many hot dogs into one’s mouth in 12 minutes– has a new champion. Joey Chestnut, a 23-year-old from San Jose, California downed 66 dogs in 12 minutes, shattering the previous record of 53 held by six-time champ Takeru Kobayashi from Japan. Kobayashi ate 63 hot dogs Wednesday, his personal best, though he couldn’t stay dog-to-dog with Chestnut. And Kobayashi barfed which, in competitive eating, means a deduction from the total score. Kobayashi recently had his wisdom tooth pulled and complained of jaw problems, but vows to be back next year to reclaim his crown. Chestnut said of his victory, “This title’s been held by Kobayashi for six years, so it’s about time it came home. I knew going into this contest that Kobayashi was going to give 100 percent.” OK, I guess I have been in China for a while, but since when is the July 4th Nathan’s Hot Dog Competition an American sport? The former champ had a jaw injury? The new champ brings the title home to America? ESPN even broadcasts this thing. At one point during the final stretch of the contest, the television announcer said “This would be the greatest moment in the history of American sports if Chestnut can bring the belt home to Coney Island!” And he was dead serious. I suppose when compared to men pulling 18-wheeler trucks in Sweden, or the annual World Wife Carrying Championship in Finland, it doesn’t seem all that strange.
•AP: No-Bayashi: Champ Loses
•YouTube: 2007 Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest