Featured Eater

Previous Featured Legendary Eaters:
- Apr - Jun 08: Eric "Badlands" Booker
- Jan - Mar 08: "Krazy" Kevin Lipsitz
- Oct - Dec 07: "Beautiful" Brian Seiken
- Jul - Sep 07: Don "Moses" Lerman

Wikipedia Entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%22Hungry%22_Charles_Hardy

Reason for Selection / Recent Accomplishment: He goes by many names: "The Commissioner" (which he actually has been -- for the IFOCE -- since 2005)," "The Godfather," and "Hungry" Charles Hardy (which is how I have always referred to him). But regardless of how you spell or say it, Charles was always ravenous for victory in the 6 years he competed, during which he was regarded as one of the most feared competitors on the circuit. In 2000 he won the World Matzo Ball Title by devouring 15 1/2 Matzo Balls in less than five-and-a-half minutes. "Hungry" Charles won the Civil Service qualifier for a half-dozen years and he has been the American Hot Dog Champion. "The Godfather" still holds World Records in Giant Alaskan Cabbage: 6 lbs, 9 oz in 9 minutes, and Spot Shrimp: 4 lbs, 9 oz in 12 minutes.

Impact on "The Black Widow": In 2003 when I first broke onto the scene in competitive eating (CE), I remember Charles' kindness and willingness to coach me, to help me develop my talent. His advice through the years has been instrumental in helping me accomplish what I have thus far in CE. The most pronounced thing I remember Charles stressing was, "Sonya, you've got to focus while you're eating -- focus, focus, focus!" Additionally, "The Hungry One" truly acted the part of a godfather to me, and I always felt secure whenever "The Godfather" was around -- and I still do to this day. He has always been like my unspoken protector. I owe him a lot.

Thank You "Hungry" Charles!
Sonya