A 160-pound wonder from Japan set a record by devouring 53 3/4 frankfurters in 12 minutes to win the annual Independence Day hot dog eating competition on Coney Island. The feat earned Takeru Kobayashi, 27, his sixth straight title in the event, held at the original Nathan's Famous hot dog stand on Brooklyn's seashore. His prize: the coveted Yellow Mustard Belt. Kobayashi broke his own record of 53 1/2 hot dogs, set at the same competition two years ago.
Joey Chestnut, a 220-pound civil engineering student from San Jose, was second, with 52 dogs consumed. "I hit a wall. I just felt tired," he told an interviewer from ESPN, which broadcast the competition live.
The great Kobayashi wins again! I was there to see it too and it was a good show (even though my view of the eaters was limited). Incredible amounts of energy in the crowd.
ReplyDeleteIt's bizarre how passionate Koby's fans are for him. I experienced it firsthand after the contest. Crazy, crazy stuff.
Thanks for your observations--I enjoyed you enthusiasm.
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