| − | '''Competitive eating''' is a [[sport]] that is rapidly growing in popularity (primarily in the [[United States of America|United States]], [[Canada]], [[Europe]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[South Africa]], and [[Japan]]) that focuses on the ability to eat large quantities of [[food]] in a short timed event. The food eaten is usually a variety of [[fast food]] or [[dessert]] such as [[pie]]s, [[pizza]]s, and [[hot dog]]s. There are several world championships with competitors starting at a local level and eventually achieving world wide renown. [[Sonya Thomas]] from [[Korea]] is currently one of the sports greatest champions. It predominantly takes place at [[circus]]es, rodeos, county fairs. | + | '''Competitive eating''' is a [[sport]] that is rapidly growing in popularity (primarily in the [[United States of America|United States]], [[Canada]], [[Europe]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[South Africa]], and [[Japan]]) that focuses on the ability to eat large quantities of [[food]] in a short timed event. The food eaten is usually a variety of [[fast food]] or [[dessert]] such as [[pie]]s, [[pizza]]s, and [[hot dog]]s. There are several world championships with competitors starting at a local level and eventually achieving world wide renown. [[Sonya Thomas]] from [[Korea]] is currently one of the sports greatest champions. It predominantly takes place at [[circus]]es, rodeos, and county fairs as well as on holidays such as [[Mardi Gras]], [[Saint Patrick's Day]], and [[Oktoberfest]]. |
| | Competitors are called "gurgitators" and preparation for events is often extremely intensive training in stamina, eating and gut expansion. | | Competitors are called "gurgitators" and preparation for events is often extremely intensive training in stamina, eating and gut expansion. |