Chestnut fails in quest to become hot dog-eating champ
By Pablo S. Torre
July 07, 2006
Joey Chestnut couldn't help himself. On a stage constructed atop the storied corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues -- by now, a graveyard of hot dog parts and sopping bread -- he hunched over and sat, his stomach stuffed and reeling.
"He is a very strong competitor," Kobayashi said through a translator while hoisting the Mustard Yellow Belt. "I'd like to compete with him next year."
Sitting on that stage, Joey Chestnut probably didn't pay the compliment too much attention. At that point, he looked more susceptible to heatstroke than friendly encouragement.
He had seen all he needed to see: Kobayashi, standing tall, officially inaugurating a rivalry in the most agonizing of ways -- with a win.