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- Wolves' Kilman reunites with Lopetegui at West Ham
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- Winning all that matters at Euro 2024 for Mbappe's minimalist France
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- Robertson pleased to 'find a way' past England in tough Test baptism
- Martin sets lap record to secure German MotoGP pole
- 'Shattered' Germany set sights on World Cup after Euros exit
- Olympic hope Pedersen pulls out of Tour de France
- Djokovic eyes sweet 16 at Wimbledon as Swiatek takes on 'gangster'
- End beckons again for Ronaldo after Portugal Euros KO
- New Zealand edge England 16-15 in tense, brutal first Test
- Turkey take on Dutch in politically charged Euros quarter-final, England face Swiss
- Calling for better ties with West, Iran reformist wins presidency
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- Marsch relishing Canada's semi clash with Argentina
- Canada stun Venezuela on penalties to reach Copa semis
- Iran reformist Pezeshkian holds early lead in runoff vote
- Swiatek faces 'gangster' threat, Djokovic feels need for Wimbledon speed
- France holds its breath ahead of uncertain vote
- Starmer begins UK 'rebuild' after landslide election win
- Paris's Moulin Rouge inaugurates new windmill sails ahead of Olympics
- Pan, Rai share halfway lead in PGA John Deere Classic
- 'I was feeling terrible' in debate, Biden says in TV interview
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- Thompson bids farewell to Warriors after exit
- Portugal exit Euros with pride, will return stronger: Martinez
- UK's new PM Starmer speaks to world leaders, names top team
- Spain and France to face off in Euros last four, Turkey lament 'unfair' Demiral ban
- Israel says negotiators to hold fresh Gaza truce talks next week
- France beat Portugal on penalties to reach Euro 2024 semi-finals
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- Heartbreak for Germany fans after dramatic Euros exit
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- California fires spread in July 4 weekend heatwave
New York hot dog champ out of contest over plant-based brand deal
Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut is as much a part of July 4th celebrations in New York as the city 's massive annual fireworks display, wolfing down dozens of hot dogs each year in the contest sponsored by fast food company Nathan's.
But his long reign as the King of Coney Island has come to an acrimonious end: Chestnut will not compete in the 2024 event after reaching a deal with plant-based company Impossible Foods, a direct competitor to Nathan's.
"We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand... rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest," Major League Eating, which organizes the event, said in a statement.
"It seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different hot dog brand over our long-time relationship," it said, while nevertheless calling Chestnut an "American hero."
Chestnut, 40, is the top-ranked competitive eater in the world, according to Major League Eating.
He has won the Nathan's contest on July 4 -- which draws thousands of fans each year -- a total of 16 times, including in 2021, when he set a world record by eating 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
He holds dozens of world records in eating everything from asparagus to gyoza, according to the Major League Eating website.
Chestnut said on social media that he was "gutted" about the decision by Nathan's not to allow him to compete, and suggested organizers were "looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with."
"I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title," Chestnut said on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram.
"To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you'll see me eat again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!"
A.P.Maia--PC