Another Reason It's Called a Superpower

The U.S. made history last week by winning its first Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie (the World Cup of Baking)--in Paris, at that! Further investigation of recent prestigious world competitions yielded equally thrilling outcomes.

EVENT International Auto Extrication Competition in Rockford, Ill.

For: Best removers of car-wreck victims from vehicles

Countries Competing: 5 Winner: U.S.

EVENT Challenge '98! The Year of the Inspector! in Long Beach, Calif.

For: Most safety-conscious inspectors of trucks and buses

Countries Competing: 3 Winner: U.S.

EVENT International Association of Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians' Sanitarian Award in Nashville, Tenn.

For: Best food- and dairy-sanitizing scientists, engineers, technicians and lab workers

Countries Competing: 75 Winner: U.S.

EVENT International Meet of Singles Masters in Sand Sculpture in Gran Canaria, Spain

For: Best sand creations

Countries Competing: 7

Winner: Spain (U.S. was second)