Joey Chestnut took the sports world by storm on July 4 by winning his 15th Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. In the USA, the NBA, NFL, and MLB typically dominate sports headlines. But it was Chestnut who received the glory on the Fourth of July.
However, Chestnut is making headlines for more than just chowing down 63 hot dogs. The 15-time champion also took down a protester in the middle of the competition:
A protester wearing a Darth Vader mask ran onto the stage and cut in front of Chestnut. The protester held a sign reading “expose Smithfield’s Death Star.” It is unclear what the protest is in reference to.
Joey Chestnut felt someone bump him and turned to see who it was. When he saw the protester in a Darth Vader mask, Chestnut immediately placed him in a chokehold and threw him to the floor.
What makes Chestnut’s actions even more incredible is that he was injured entering the contest. He stated that he injured his Achilles tendon prior to the contest. Fortunately, the injury did not impair his ability to compete in the event … or take down a protestor for that matter.
There is little doubt that Joey Chestnut is the greatest participant to ever compete in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy summed up Chestnut’s legendary performance:
Joey Chesnut defending his crown on 4th of July while on crutches while beating up a protester mid competition will go down as one of the most athletic, most patriotic , most heroic performances in the history of not only only this country, but the world.
Joey Chestnut: A true champion.