The
97th Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is on ESPN at 3 PM, repeats on ESPN-2 at 4 PM.
Sonya Thomas, of
Alexandria, Va., downed 45 wieners to win the women's competition. She reached her goal of eating 45 in the time limit – her age – and took home her own pink champion's belt and
$10,000.
Thomas, known as the "Black Widow" of competitive eating, won last year as well, the first time a separate contest was held for women. Juliet Lee, of
Germantown, Md., took second place with 33 and
won $5,000. Lee also won second place last year. Third place went to Michelle Lesco, of Tuscon, Ariz., who received
$2,500 for downing 25 1/2.