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Watch: Braves fan's challenge of 'The Freeze' falls short

By Tommy Fradenburg | Last updated 7/20/23

Since an employee decided to try a new promotion on one fateful Atlanta night in 2017, fans at Braves games have had the pleasure of watching their peers race against "The Freeze," a former sprinter at Iowa Wesleyan and Shorter University who took a groundskeeping job with the club.

"The Freeze," (or Nigel Talton) usually wins despite giving his challengers a significant head start, but one fan on Thursday afternoon appeared to have a legitimate shot to pull the upset.

But just feet from the finish line, tragedy struck.

It’s a cold world when you’re racing the Freeze. pic.twitter.com/iApk1cxCPN
— MLB (@MLB) July 20, 2023

Despite this close win, Talton has proven "The Freeze," is human this season. In Atlanta's opener against the San Diego Padres, the fan selected to compete against him actually won.

The Freeze lost today in ATL@DonOrsillo | @Mudcat55 pic.twitter.com/AY0Sh09OcR
— Bally Sports San Diego (@BallySportsSD) April 7, 2023

The legend of "The Freeze" began when he caught people's attention on Twitter, running down a fan who began to celebrate before realizing he'd been caught, then face planting on the warning track as he tried to regain the lead.

ICYMI: It ain’t over till it’s … OVER. pic.twitter.com/45fyiVQ2Vx
— MLB (@MLB) June 10, 2017

Ever since, fans have clamored for the opportunity to test their speed in front of the Atlanta faithful. This year for the first time you can apply online to enter a sweepstakes to do just that. Do you have what it takes to win?

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