By K.P. Hooker · July 16, 2010
You've heard of Takeru Kobayashi, right? The competitive eater?! (There's actually an International Federation of Competitive Eating. I find the whole thing curious!) Kobayashi is the real deal- he has sponsorships, charity gigs, training techniques, a jaw injury, the works. He has also been no stranger to controversy. He held the world record for hot dog eating from 2001-2006. During some competitions, he was accused of regurgitating food which was frowned upon by other contestants. In 2007, Kobayashi's arch nemesis, Joey Chestnut, swooped in and took the title. In 2010, Kobayashi was not able to compete due to a dispute with Major League Eating. After watching the contest from the audience, which Chestnut won, he crashed the stage. His purpose was seemingly unclear, but when officers tried to remove him, he resisted and was arrested.
This is the stuff of a Jack Black comedy. I'm imagining all of the dramatic possibilities. You know what should come next? A crazy bender! A downward spiral. And then, if this were a movie, someone would mentor Kobayashi and make him a champion hot dog eater again!
I'm no expert on competitive eating. If there are any writers out there who have insight into the field of this fringe sport, I'm prepared to buy a ticket and see your movie. I'm just saying, I'd like to watch someone shove fifty hot dogs in their mouth while they hatefully stare down their rival, their personal threat.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/07/
K.P. Hooker · July 14, 2010
