A world-ranked competitive eater talks training, hot dogs, and vomit

(Image credit: (Sherri LaRose-Chiglo/St. Paul Pioneer Press))

last updated 10 January 2015

I have long marveled at the competitors in the Famous Nathan's hot dog eating contest in New York City's Coney Island. Out in the blazing July sun, in front of thousands gathered on the boardwalk (not to mention the countless more watching on ESPN), these presumably hungry men and woman shovel 10, 20, 30, 40, even 60-some-odd hot dogs into their mouths. Many call it quits before time, some vomit, while only one rises above the gag and — covered in mushed-up hot dog bun, belly extended — walks to the awards stage triumphant.

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Lauren Hansen produces The Weekâ€™s podcasts and videos and edits the photo blog, Captured. She also manages the production of the magazine's iPad app. A graduate of Kenyon College and Northwestern University, she previously worked at the BBC and Frontline. She knows a thing or two about pretty pictures and cute puppies, both of which she tweets about @mylaurenhansen.