Maybe. But it is also a spectacle and, boy, do Americans love a good spectacle, someone pushing boundaries, good taste, common sense. Made all the spectacular because Joey weighs 185 pounds and does not need a fork lift to get into a car. He is not obese, not even plump, doughy, or get out of breath going through a turnstile.

Mr. Chestnut, who was barred last year over an endorsement deal with a vegan-meat company, and Miki Sudo easily won their respective contests but did not break records.