The Title Stays in the U.S.

Joey Chestnut won the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

this weekend and once again proudly represented his heritage.

The 4th of July is awesome.

This holiday remembers the day when the spirit of "damn the man" was born in this country, the day our forefathers proclaimed to the world "taxes suck!" (and something about representation, or something), the day we, as a country, first laced up our ass-kicking boots!

Not to mention the fact that it's a federal holiday where you're required by law to ingest as much barbeque and beer as possible.

And that's not even the best part. We save the greatest sporting event of the year for July 4th. The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

What better way to celebrate the one day that defined us by the one competition that defines us?

Look, I'm not going to start some politically charged rant about the state of American health because that's not what we're about here and all that political stuff is too exciting for me to handle sometimes. Still, that doesn't stop me from realizing that in the being-in-best shape race, American sure ain't the hare.

This is why I cope by rooting my heart out for America's greatest sports hero. Still not convinced? Fine, let me tell you three things about Joey Chestnut and you tell me if they sound familiar to what America is all about:

He believes that his humble beginnings in competitive eating stem from being part of a large family. This was not enough, as he finished 3rd in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest his rookie year. His hard work and training allowed him to consistently improve his performance, and he has since willed himself to the top of the competitive eating world. And he once said kites were cool, I think...

He is confident and energetic. When asked for a prediction of this year's contest after it was learned that Kobayashi would not be in it, he proclaimed he was so confident, he may put ketchup on the last hot dog. But his confidence is backed up by his performance, and competitors tremble in the wake of his great white group of boats t-shirt. It appears he walks softly, but with a big appetite...

With regard to his rivalry with Kobayashi, he is never one to turn down a challenge. When asked about the antics surrounding Kobayashi's arrest and the drama regarding his dispute with MLE, Chestnut responded that if Kobayashi were a real competitor, he would be on the stage. Yes, it would appear that Chestnut loves a good dual challenge, and who can say he wouldn't respond with a Dog Off challenge if someone insulted a person close to him?

See? This is the face of an American sports hero!

Man, what a patriotic week. But a few days after we got to watch England lose at the game they are often credited with distributing to the World, we were able to watch Joey Chestnut reign supreme in an American born championship. What more could you ask for?

Well, other than the tiniest bit of extra room for just one more 4th of July hot dog.

Happy belated, America.