Sonya Thomas, The First Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Women's Champion!

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Published Jul 4, 2011

Modified Jul 4, 2011

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America, we have the first champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest for women: Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas has finally won her first Mustard Belt. She ate 40 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Yes, she earned her Pepto-Bismol!

Early in the competition, Juliet Lee was giving The Black Widow a run for her money, even briefly taking the lead. But mid-way through the event, Thomas was safely in the lead, with 26 hot dogs eaten. Lee and Stephanie Torres tied for second place (according to early estimates).

Thomas, who won $10,000 for the win, told ESPN, "I can't measure how I'm feeling right now. I'm so happy. I'm so full for hot dogs but I definitely can eat something later tonight."

The contest was split into two events, one for men and one for women, in April. The men's showdown begins at noon.