An American Returns the Glory

In an amazing piece of symmetry, an American has reclaimed one of the most heralded prizes in international competition on Independence Day. (Cue patriotic music.)

In a display of ability, determination and indigestion, Joey Chestnut dethroned Takeru Kobayashi as the world's hot dog eating champion.

Is there anything more American than consuming 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes and being rewarded for it? Its glutenous, wasteful and downright patriotic.

And not only did Chestnut defeat the competitive eating master known as Kobayashi, they both broke the world record (previously 59.5) in a finish that required a video replay (I kid you not).

This is the equivalent of the Lakers playing the Lebrons and Kobe Bryant and King James each throwing down 120 points apiece! (Well, its not quite the same, but close, and you get the picture.)

Think about it. Sixty six hot dogs. Twelve minutes. That's about a hot dog every 10 seconds! Its simply amazing and disgusting at the same.

I was proud to be an American this July 4th.

(Read about Chestnut's Wilt Chamberlain like eating performance here.)