NEW YORK (July 4, 2012)—Sonya Thomas of Alexandria, Va., the Black Widow of competitive eating, beat her own record Wednesday by gobbling down 45 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to win the women's competition at the annual Coney Island contest.
The petite Thomas, who goes by "Black Widow," won $10,000.
The previous record was 41 dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
Juliet Lee, of Germantown, Md., took second place with 33 and claimed $5,000.
Lee also won second last year.
The Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest has been a city tradition for 97 years.
Joey Chestnut is vying for his sixth straight title in the men's competition.
