Another Reason It's Called a Superpower

By Kathleen Adams, Harriet Barovick, Tam Gray, Daniel Levy, Lina Lofaro, David Spitz, Joel Stein, Flora Tartakovsky and Chris Taylor

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)