Hot Dog Eating Champ Diagnosed with Arthritic Jaw

[CatWoman]

Takeru Kobayashi of Japan, the hot-dog eating champ of New York City's Coney Island, may be out of commission for next week's annual July 4th contest.

The six-time winner, 29 (and, despite his yearly high-fat and sodium and carbohydrate gorge, a svelte 165 lbs.), has been diagnosed with arthritis of the jaw, he writes ruefully on his Web site, where he says: "My jaw refused to fight anymore ... has abandoned the frontline."

According to Kobayashi's message, "Already I can't open my jaws more than just a little bit. There's no pain only if I open my mouth about enough for one finger. More than that is painful and I can't open it."

His situation puts a big question mark over whether he'll be able to compete to claim his seventh straight Yellow Mustard Belt next Wednesday, in the Independence Day contest sponsored by Nathan's Famous hot dogs. Last year Kobayashi – nicknamed "Tsunami" – won after devouring a then-world record of 53.75 wieners in 12 minutes.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20043882,00.html

[AllegroRondo]

1. Noooooo!

this was supposed to be the big year! Joey Chestnut just broke his record last month with 57, and the big 'showdown' was supposed to be on July 4th. It just wouldnt be the same without seeing those two go head-to-head.

[WinkyDink]

2. Hot Dog Karma!

[Rhythm]

3. Guess he bit off more than he could chew...

sorry... just had to.
:hide:

[Parche]

4. Champ

He is at home sitting on his 'buns' :hi:

OH MEOW