Deborah Halverson

FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD SHERMIE THUFF is a Big Guy with a Big Dream- to become the most famous competitive eater in the world. But every big dream has to start somewhere, and Shermie's determined to start his in the spotlight. If he can take first place in Nathan's World Famous International hot dog eating competition, fame will be his. The catch? The current record is 53-1/2 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes.
Shermie's personal best? Seven. Clearly, Shermie has some training to do.