A new champion has been crowned at the death-defying annual cheese rolling race in England (Gloucestershire). 22-year-old Max McDougall won the first men’s downhill race after tripping and tumbling down Cooper’s Hill. Veteran cheese chaser Chris Anderson, who holds a record 22 wins over the past 15 years, did not compete because he was away on vacation.
… The women’s race was won by 28-year-old Flo Early, who won for the fourth time, but also managed to sprain her ankle in the process. She says she is now retiring and will not compete again.
… Rebel cheese rollers have been staging their own unofficial event after health and safety fears caused the official competition to be cancelled in 2010. The cheese is chased 200 yards down the steep hill. The unusual event has been celebrated for centuries and is thought to have its roots in a heathen festival to celebrate the return of spring.