If Lobster Eating Was an Olympic Event ...

America’s top speed-eater wolfed down 38 lobsters in 12 minutes to win the World Lobster Eating Contest in Kennebunk.

Sonya Thomas, of Alexandria, Va., won $500 and a trophy belt for her efforts, consuming 9.76 pounds of lobster meat.

Each contestant had a partner removing the meat from the shell. Eleven competitors ate as many lobsters as they could in 12 minutes, a total of 300 pounds.

“I have a natural ability because of my stomach capacity,” said Thomas, who weighs 105 pounds. “I could eat more, but something else -- not a lobster.”