The Thrill Of Eating
What is the allure of competitive eating?
It appeals to all types of people the "average Joe" who has an ordinary life gets the chance to be a hero or B-level celebrity. He can become a conversation piece or "champ". It does have a degree of tom-foolery and within itself is a sport. Those who oppose it are taking from a fun way to relax, have fun and a way to make others laugh.
Can anyone become a competitive eater?
Yes, anybody can become a competitive eater. You should be 18 years old and at the age of consent. There's way too many examples of different folks that have come to competitive eating. Eveybody from lawyers to doctors. There's a guy out there now, his nickname is Dr. Delicious. He's actually an emergency technician, or an emergency doctor. We have lawyers, counselors -- all kinds of folks that are into competitive eating. Part of the appeal of competitive eating is that it really does encompass a wide variety of people.
What makes you different from other competitive eaters?
For me, competitive eating is more than just the food you eat. Okay, I love the whole possible and potential drama of competitive eating. I actually think that with what I do for a living; I'm a counselor for the New York state commission for the blind, I think I do bring a certain kind of understanding and approach to competitive eating. And I kind of have a reputation among some of the competitive eaters as somebody who they can talk to. Somebody who they can feel comfortable with. And also too, I'm as much interested in what other people do than we're doing. I have some nice records you know. And I could never ever do it in competition before and I'd be fine with that. But I'm also very interested in competitive eating and what's happening outside of myself. And it's cool, that's the competitive thing. Not everybody has to be that way. You know some people they just like; they may use competitive eating as a way to get away and kind of have a fun time and that sort of thing. But since I got into competitive eating I really jumped in with both feet. And at times it has created some conflict with home life, I'll admit that. But I love, I really, really love the fact that competitive eating, it gives me permission to be silly. It allows me to be a sixth grader. And you know in the sixth grade was a fantastic time in my life.
Are you the best competitive eater out there?
I'm the best pickle eater out there. But I am not the best eater out there. There are a lot of fantastic eaters out there and there are a lot of guys and gals who are very good in a certain, specific food item. So one of the great things about competitive eating is you can be a champion and not necessarily be the best. But you can still experience what it is to be the best in one particular area.
Are you open to any competitive eating challenges?
Absolutely. You know, I would love of course to do pickles again. I am going to do pickles and defend my title, but I would love to do a lot more fruit items. I would love to do some items that haven't been done before. So yeah, even if I am not actually eating in a contest I would love to be involved in developing in some of these contests.
