Some have wondered whether or not America's best days are behind it. Others have asked if the sun is setting on the world's sole superpower.

In 12 glorious minutes, a 23-year-old from San Jose, CA, put those fears to bed:

In a gut-busting showdown that combined drama, daring and indigestion, Joey Chestnut emerged Wednesday as the world's hot dog eating champion, knocking off six-time winner Takeru Kobayashi in a record-setting yet repulsive triumph.

Chestnut, the great red, white and blue hope in the annual Fourth of July competition, broke his own world record by inhaling 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes — a staggering one every 10.9 seconds before a screaming crowd in Coney Island.

The coveted Mustard Belt is back home on America soil.