May 19, 2013
There's more than 100 pounds difference between the two defending champions who will try to eat the most hot dogs today in the 97th edition of The Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island.
Men's champ Joey Chestnut and Women's champ Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas weighed in officially yesterday at 210 and 100 pounds, respectively. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg hosted by rattling off countless hot dog-themed puns.
Thomas says she's looking to break her own record of 41 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Chestnut says he just wants to win, but he is the contest record holder at 68 dogs and buns.
Bloomberg, who is a health proponent, says this kind of contest is OK -- if it's only done once a year.
The American Medical Association says competitive speed eating is unhealthy.
