Sonya Thomas

Sonya Thomas

Sonya Thomas (born Lee Sun-kyung on July 26, 1967), also known as The Black Widow of competitive eating, is a South Korean-born American competitive eater from Alexandria, Virginia. Thomas joined the Major League Eating organization in 2003 and quickly rose to prominence due to her ability to consume large amounts of food despite her small size.

Early Life

Thomas was born in South Korea and moved to the United States in 1997. She worked as a manager at a Burger King in Alexandria, Virginia, where she discovered her talent for eating quickly.

Competitive Eating Career

Thomas' competitive eating career began in 2003 when she entered her first competition, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Despite being a newcomer, she managed to consume 25 hot dogs in 12 minutes, securing a third-place finish. This performance earned her a spot in the Major League Eating organization, where she quickly became one of the top-ranked female eaters.

Over the years, Thomas has set numerous records in various food eating contests. Some of her most notable achievements include eating 65 hard-boiled eggs in 6 minutes and 40 seconds, 44 lobsters in 12 minutes, and 37 hot dogs in 12 minutes. Her ability to consume large amounts of food quickly has earned her the nickname "The Black Widow," as she often defeats men much larger than herself in competitions.

Personal Life

Outside of competitive eating, Thomas continues to work in the food industry. She owns a small fast-food restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, where she often practices for upcoming competitions.

Legacy

Thomas' success in competitive eating has paved the way for other women in the sport. She is often cited as a role model for aspiring female competitive eaters and has been instrumental in increasing the visibility of women in the sport.

See Also

• Competitive Eating
• Major League Eating
• Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest