The Oddest Sport in the world - Competitive Eating
Eating as a sport is a unique concept in the world of sports. For some reason, it is one of the popular televised sports in America and the Americans simply love it. Statistics show that Americans consume the most junk food, and their love for eating has been officially turned into a sport. With eating events being held all over the country and various venues promoting different types of contests, food-lovers get a chance to savour their favourite cuisines. The competitions include eating hotdogs, pies, chillies, burgers and even stranger items such as haggis. Where and how did this ‘sport’ become so popular that it is now being spread to different parts of the world? Let’s have a look into its history...
It seems eating competitions have been staged for centuries all over the world. There is something very interesting about the concept of people stuffing their faces and eating till they burst. The competitive version of eating actually started in America in 1916, when Coney Island held its first Fourth of July Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest. It is believed that four immigrants decided to see who was more patriotic by eating the most hot dogs. The event grabbed the attention of many and soon it became an annual tradition. But slowly it started to wane in popularity until the 1990s, when two brothers decided to revive the spirit of Nathan’s Famous. They started holding regular events and increased the attendances from hundreds to thousands, in a short span of time. Today the sport is actually watched by millions peoples around the globe, on TV. Quite impressive for a ten minute contest.
The strangest thing about the sport is that usually its competitors are thin. There is medical reasoning to it. The lining of the stomach for fat people is not stretchable, and fails to accommodate large quantities of food being consumed. The people who take part in these contests actually follow strict training regimes. One of the famous competitive eaters, Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut, practices eating before a big show and then fasts for three days before the event. During his fasting period he only consumes water, milk and liquid amino acid. Contestants also come up with various tricks so that they can easily swallow the food. One of the best ways is to dunk the food in water; this trick is usually used by the participants of hot dog contests. Dunking bun and hot dog in water makes them soft, hence easier to consume. Chestnut also sips on hot water throughout the event so that he doesn’t throw out what he eats.
Major League Eating is the official governing body for Competitive Eating. It regulates the sport, and enforces various rules and regulations. The body is trying to promote the activity in various countries around the world. However, doctors and medical practitioners have been loudly complaining about the negative effects of eating competitions. They say that these contests portray unhealthy eating habits as “cool.” With obesity at its peak in America, a large number of doctors are worried with the potential health hazards the festivals may bring forth.
The sport of competitive eating is becoming increasingly popular in the Far East and Asia. Doctors already face an uphill struggle controlling the multiplying levels of obesity in America. But contests such as “eating the most pies or hot dogs” will devastate their efforts. However, the participants and fans defend themselves. They say that it is their effort to make people aware of the scarcity of nutritious food. The events are sponsored by NGOs, which help in eliminating famine in the third world countries.
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