IT WAS toothpicks at dawn in New York last month, when one world champion speed-eater decided to make an impromptu appearance at a hot dog eating competition.

American authorities have now dropped charges against competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi, after he was arrested for crashing the annual Nathan’s Famous Frankfurters competition near New York City’s Coney Island amusement park.

The 32-year-old, six-time world speed-eating champion was charged with obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest, trespassing and disorderly conduct after storming the stage on the 4 July.

A Brooklyn judge ruled that Kobayashi, who was facing possible jail time, would have his record cleared if he stays out of trouble for six months. Speaking through an interpreter, Kobayashi said: “I am very happy”.

Kobayashi did not participate in this year’s event because of an apparent a contract dispute with his sponsor. Clearly unimpressed with his rivals’ performances, the world champion told AOL News:

“I was ready to beat the world record…When I see the record of the top, I probably would have beat that.”

The world of competitive eating isn’t all pork pies and smiles. You have been warned.
Charges against Japanese speed eater dropped