Joey Chestnut greets fans during Hot Dog Eating Contest weather delay
Mother nature tried to spoil the Fourth of July, but Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest ultimately prevailed. But the weather’s lack of cooperation on Coney Island Tuesday did force the famous contest to be delayed by two hours, allowing Joey Chestnut the opportunity to greet some fans.
The original start time for the famous hot dog eating contest was set for 12 p.m. ET but rain and lightning forced a delay in the action. It didn’t get underway until 2 p.m. ET — better late than never, right?
While Chestnut waited for the event to start, he graciously met with fans attending Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. He chatted win people and took a few photos while awaiting the start.
Once the event started, Chestnut didn’t disappoint his fans. He claimed his 16th Mustard Belt, devouring 62 hot dogs in the allotted 10-minute timeframe.
It was the eighth-straight victory for “Joey Jaws” in the 4th of July event. He did fall well short of his own personal record, though, which still sits at 76 hot dogs.
But don’t think he’s given up on setting a new world record. Even after gobbling down those 62 dogs, he’s coming back next year even hungrier — literally and figuratively.
Joey Chestnut still chasing 77
Like all the great athletes, Chestnut continues to chase history. Winning 16 Mustard Belts and being known as the greatest competitive eater of all-time isn’t enough to satisfy his cravings.
After this year’s event, Chestnut says he still has his eyes set on devouring 77 hot dogs some day.
“Oh my gosh, yes, I love to push myself. I’m getting older,” Chestnut said. “I’m 39. It’s great to be able to push for a new records and know that I can still push my body to new limits. Today, things got in the way, but I’ll be coming back.”
Chestnut said he got off to a slow start and that it just “wasn’t his day” in his pursuit of a new world record. And, remember, he’s saying this after eating more than five dozen hot dogs. That’s a number most of us can’t even fathom.
But Chestnut didn’t become the world’s greatest competitive eater by taking the easy way out. Even if 77 seems impossible, he’s setting his sights, and his stomach, on that goal.
We’ll be tuning in next 4th of July to see if “Joey Jaws” can make history … again.
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