Sonya Storms Philly with 36.5 Dogs

Sonya Thomas, the "Black Widow" of the competitive eating circuit, made us proud on Saturday when she qualified in Philadelphia with 36.5 dogs. It was an amazing showing by other very talented eaters at this star-studded qualifier, but Sonya showed no fear and ultimately outate all the men. Coney Island is shaping up to be quite the battle this year. After digesting some hot dogs, Sonya answered a few questions for us.

Give us a down and dirty quicky of the event .

I was able to win the event and qualify for Nathan's with 36.5 Dogs and Buns. I actually wanted to qualify with at least 38, so I was a bit disappointed." The Humble One," Bob Shoudt, downed 28 Dogs for second -- his personal best. "Big" Brian Subich and Pat "from Moonachie" Philbin finished a totally respectable 3rd and 4th, eating 25 and 24 Dogs, respectively. Steakbellie was also there and finished 5th with just over 16 Dogs. The competition was fierce from start to finish. It was loads of fun -- great sportsmanship. George Shea MC-ed -- outstanding as always!

Describe the moment when you knew you would win.

I don't like this question, because giving an honest answer makes me sound arrogant, and I am not that kind of person, but I was confident of winning once I had the lead, which I gained within the first minute.

Any comments on your training?

I'm working to increase my jaw strength. I very rarely eat hot dogs -- let alone practice with them. My mouth is little and eating those dogs so quickly really taxes my jaw muscles.

Tell us something funny, or unusual that happened during this qualifier.

Though I have a good sense of humor, I can't remember a thing.

Any controversy before, during, or after?

No controversy whatsoever that I'm aware of.

Any predictions about future qualifiers or the Hartford winner's chance on July 4th
[Note: this was a typo on our part; we meant to ask about the Philly winner's chances (oh, copy/paste), but what a great answer!]

No real predictions -- I only hope that each and every person who attempts to qualify is able to give it his or her best. There is absolutely no place a true competitive eater would rather be than at "The Big Table" on Coney on July 4th. To paraphrase something that IFOCE Chairman George Shea, once said, what could be more American than eating Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs on Coney Island on the Fourth of July? And it really does my heart good to see smiles on the faces of participants who make it, but didn't expect to be there. There's no substitute for that.

Oh yeah, and regarding my prediction for the Hartford winner's chance on Coney? "Eater X" has a great chance to put down 30 dogs. Seriously though, how many eaters throughout history can say that? Tim "Eater X" Janus is one of the best eaters this side of Pluto! And he and Kobayashi are the two most intelligent eaters on the circuit, without question. I can't give too many trade secrets to "Eater X," or he'll wind up whipping me. He learns at light speed!

Anything else you'd like to add?

I am going to have focused fun on July 4th. Given Joey's amazing 50-Dog performance earlier this year, he'll be the center of attention, along with The Great Kobayashi. As such, I'll be able to relax -- if just a wee bit -- and have some real fun!

Last question:

Window ... ALWAYS window. I need privacy and rest.