A German YouTuber has emerged victorious in the renowned Gloucestershire cheese-rolling contest, narrowly defeating a local champion who had come out of retirement to reclaim his crown. Tom Kopke, 24, a recent double champion from Munich, outpaced Guinness World Record holder Chris Anderson near the finish line of the first men's downhill race. The event saw participants chase an 8lb double Gloucester cheese down the steep slopes of Cooper's Hill in Brockworth.
Race Highlights
Both competitors risked broken bones and serious injury as they joined approximately two dozen daredevils in the annual death-defying race. The heavy spring rain had softened the track, but recent hot weather made it firmer and more perilous. Temperatures soared to nearly 30C in Gloucestershire, adding to the challenge for runners and thousands of spectators.
Chris Anderson, 38, from Brockworth, who holds the Guinness World Record for most wins with 23 victories between 2005 and 2022, was challenged by Kopke to come out of retirement. The German retained the title he had won the previous two years, and the two embraced at the bottom after the race.
Winner's Reaction
"This was I think my best year ever and I tried to stay on my feet for as long as possible," Mr Kopke said. "I don't know how it went but I gave everything. It's everyone's race and you have just got to give your best and the best man wins. The hill was better than last year as the hill was really dry, but this year it was the optimal conditions – not too dry and a bit soft so the falls got cushioned. I think I got a good recovery on the middle of the hill and then sprinted the rest. This year's cheese will taste the sweetest of all the cheeses I have won."
When asked how he prepares, he replied: "Shut off your brain and go for it. The entire race I saw Chris in front of me and I had to get him."
Event Background
The cheese-rolling contest has been celebrated for centuries, believed to have roots in a heathen festival marking the return of spring. The official event was cancelled in 2010 due to health and safety fears after more than 15,000 spectators attended in 2009. Since then, rebel cheese rollers have staged their own unofficial event, with police monitoring and roads closed up to two and a half miles around the slope.
After a year's hiatus when police warned against using a real cheese, the imitation lightweight foam cheese was replaced with the genuine article. Long-time cheese-maker Rod Smart, who has produced cheese for the chase for over 25 years, provided the wheels for this year's event. Four cheeses weighing about 3kg each and three smaller ones of about 1.5kg are used.
Competitors from around the world took part in the series of madcap races, which attracted international TV crews.
