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An Atlanta Braves fan was oh-so-close to pulling off a win against “The Freeze” on Thursday, but a trip and fall at the finish line ended his chances. That vicious tumble has now gone viral on social media.
In what’s become one of the more entertaining between inning promotions, Atlanta gives fans from the stands an opportunity to put their endurance to the test.
Contestants face off against “The Freeze,” a masked man with blazing speed and a spandex bodysuit.
According to a 2020 article from SportsCasting, the idea actually came from longtime member of the grounds crew, Nigel Talton. Talton, who has a background in track and field, suited up himself for the promo.
Attendees enjoyed watching fans attempt to beat the former Kennesaw State sprinter so much that it’s become a staple in Truist Park.
The premise is simple.
It’s a head-to-head race, though the fan gets a massive head start. At a certain point, “The Freeze” takes off and attempts to catch up.
In most cases, he’s successful, but on Thursday there was a bit of doubt that he’d pull off the win.
In between innings of a game between the Braves and Diamondbacks, a fan appeared to have “The Freeze” dead to rights. Just as he approached the finish line, though, he took a vicious tumble.
I mean, completely airborne.
The trip and fall resulted an instant viral moment as fans and media commented online.
It’s a cold world when you’re racing the Freeze. pic.twitter.com/iApk1cxCPN
— MLB (@MLB) July 20, 2023
“So close! That’s brutal!” one fan wrote.
Another said, “Yoooo, the camera man had no respect!!!”
Others posted hilarious reactions to the blunder.
— Ryan McCue (@RyanJMcCue) July 20, 2023
A number of folks singled out that cameraman, who did everything he could to capture the embarrassing moment.
Cameraman cold blooded 😂 pic.twitter.com/e0X0F2CZsy
— Pack Addicts NW (@packaddictsnw) July 20, 2023
That was some serious air.
— kyle (@kylemac2231) July 20, 2023
Close, but no cigar.