Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut scoffed 68 hot dogs in 10 minutes in front of a crowd of nearly 40, 000 people at the annual Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York.
Like any professional athlete, Mr Chestnut said he was aware of the strain he was putting his body under in the pursuit of sporting excellence.
“It’s like a marathon runner in the 26th mile, “he said. “I was pushing my body to the absolute limit and the last minute is the hardest. Right now it’s all settling and I’m starting to feel better and better. “Eventually I’m just going to have to take a nap.”
In the women’s competition, reigning champ Sonya ‘The Black Widow’ Thomas took home the top prize with 45 hot dogs, beating the record of 41 she set in 2009.
Asked about the secret to her success, the 44-year-old said it is all about being mentally prepared.
“I know that I can do 45 and 50 hot dog buns but not in 10 minutes. But it’s more mental control. Mentally, I say I’m going to eat and today I set my goal and I don’t want to disappoint myself and I push myself.”
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
