Va. contest winner eats 36 hot dogs

NORFOLK, Va., June 7 (UPI) -- A 41-year-old Alexandria, Va., woman has become a three-time Virginia Hot Dog Eating Champion, contest officials say.

Sonya Thomas wolfed down 36 hot dogs in 10 minutes Saturday during the competition at MacArthur Center in Norfolk, Va., claiming the state title for the third time. She expressed disappointment she couldn't top her personal best of 39, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported.

Thomas, who weighs 100 pounds, told the newspaper, "You know, I'm not really that full. But we're eating so fast, it can make me sick. I could eat more if we had more time."

The Virginia contest, sponsored by Nathan's Famous Inc., has been held in Norfolk for seven years, said contest host Richard Shea, president of Major League Eating, an organization that oversees competitive eating events.