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Miki Sudo believes competitive eating success comes with doing the work, interview

By Cristine Struble

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 04: Miki Sudo wins in the women's competition with 31 hot dogs at the 2019 Nathans Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 4, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bobby Bank/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 04: Miki Sudo wins in the women's competition with 31 hot dogs at the 2019 Nathans Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 4, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bobby Bank/Getty Images) /
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As the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest prepares for its July 4th spectacle, Miki Sudo is stepping back into the competition. After taking the 2021 contest off, the heralded competitive eater wants to return to her place on the podium. What will it take to earn the Pink Mustard belt this season?

In the world of competitive eating, Miki Sudo is a legend. For many years, she seemed almost invincible during the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. While some things have changed since the last time she faced that plate of hot dogs on July 4th, Sudo is ready for the challenge.

Sudo said, “Adele had a baby, took 5 years off from performing, and came better than ever. I’m no Adele, but I won my first contest back, just two months after giving birth. I feel great.”

While being a mom can be a hard job, Sudo appreciates that preparation is key for her success. Specifically, Sudo shared, “In eating contests (in academics, in employment), I only get nervous if I’ve failed to prepare. If I’ve ‘done the work,’ so to speak (focused on my health, studied for the exam, showed up with my ‘tools,’ and so on), I can leave the rest to my mind, body, and innate talent to carry me through. “

Having set the record for eating 48 ½ hot dogs, each competitive eating contest comes with its own set of challenges. From kimchi to ice cream, this sport covers a wide array of foods. Sudo said, “Some foods require sheer capacity; others, technique and speed. Each food is uniquely fun because they test different skill sets.”

Luckily, Sudo has an added advantage of her partner, Nick Wehry. Known as The Hungry Couple, the pair seem always ready to embrace a food challenge.

Sudo said, “We both take competing very seriously, so we understand when to give each other space and when to step in with encouragement, especially in practice. There’s a unique respect that we have for one another because we strive to succeed in competitive eating while being good parents, employees, students, siblings, and friends.”

As food and sports fans tune into Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating contest on ESPN, airing July 4th at 1 p.m. EST, there is one question that remains on the table. What does Miki Sudo have on her hot dogs outside of the big competition.

The answer is quite clear. Sudo said, “Nine times out of 10, I like my hots dogs with raw onions, sauerkraut, and brown mustard. Once in a while, I’ll get creative and top them with banh mi style pickles, Thai basil, sriracha, and a tiny bit of Thai chili sauce. Kimchi is a good topping, too.”

Be sure to watch all the action on ESPN Monday, July 4, 2022 at 1 p.m. EST.