By JOHN JAMES MARSHALL/Designated Writer

If there is a category for Worst Sporting Event — especially when the term “sporting” is used loosely — there is no question that it happens on July 4.

The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has somehow made its way into the sports landscape and I don’t know how, why or when. If an event qualifies as “gross,” then it shouldn’t qualify as a sporting event.

The line between sports and competition keeps getting blurrier. Just because people compete, it doesn’t make it a sport.

The National Spelling Bee is like the Super Bowl and World Cup rolled into one in comparison to the hot dog eating contest. I’m not sure who wants or needs to vomit more; me or the competitors.

Speaking of ‘dogs, I’ll watch the Westminster Dog Show all day long rather than watch the first bite from Coney Island.

It doesn’t help that I have a complete phobia about one of the hot dog’s cousins in the culinary world (and have had a problem since the first grade). I can’t even type the words. I’ve been hot dog-less since Fair Grounds Field was bat-free and I’m in no hurry to break the streak. Either one.

Every year, they trot out Joey Chestnut and whoever has been called up from the minors to try to unseat the champion.

From the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest official website: Will the Mustard Belt stay firmly wrapped around Joey Chestnut’s waist, or will it go to Matt Stonie or up-and-comer Carmen Cincotti? On the women’s side: can ANYONE top Miki Sudo?

I’m not sure which one bothers me more — that they are competing for the “Mustard Belt” or that there is a women’s competition?

On the other hand, I might start using “Matt Stonie” as my new favorite fake name. So there’s that.