Is it a Sport: Hot Dog Eating?

Takeru Kobayashi has put competitive hot dog eating on the map (and on television), making the annual 4th of July contest something that many people look forward to.

Kobayashi's career best is 53 3/4 hot dogs eaten in 12 minutes. The fact that he does it every year while maintaining a figure Lindsey Lohan would envy is beyond impressive.

But it brings us to the all-important question: is hot dog eating a sport?

Why Hot Dog Eating might be considered a sport

While the importance of fitness to hot dog eating can be debated (see below), no one can question the competitive nature of the activity. Once that whistle blows, it's a dog eat hot dog mentality. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

So important is defending his six consecutive titles that Kobayashi will be eating his way through a painful jaw injury in this year's competition. Now that's dedication.

Also in hot dog eating's favor is the following that the activity has gained in recent years. Given the fact that another great masticater has recently surpassed Kobayashi's record in a tune-up competition, you can expect this year's ratings to soar.

Why Hot Dog Eating might not be considered a sport

Somehow, competitive hot dog eating and America just seem to go together. We have a weakness for gluttony, so why not glorify it by making it a sport?

Not so fast, I say.

Kobayashi has a great digestive system -- probably one of the best in the world -- but that doesn't make him an athlete. A mutant is more like it.

Final Ruling: Not a sport
Certainty: I'd be willing to wager a Costco dog.