Unusual Contest: German Claims Victory in Cheese Dash - Contestant triumphs in dairy derby: German secures cheesy championship victory
In a peculiar British tradition, a German participant triumphed this year in the annual cheese-rolling contest held in the picturesque county of Gloucestershire. The contest, which involves chasing a rolling cheese wheel down a steep hill, saw Tom Kopke, a 23-year-old from Munich, outpacing his competitors. Kopke secured his second victory, having already clinched the title last year.
"I've worked hard for this. I've risked my life for this. This is my cheese," Kopke was quoted as saying by the British news agency PA. The participants often tumble during their pursuit, with this year's hill being particularly dry and hard. Kopke, speaking to the BBC, disclosed that he charged forward, grabbed the win, and then blacked out.
Originating from a pagan spring festival, the cheese-rolling contest in the village of Brockworth, located south of Birmingham and west of Oxford, has a long and intriguing history. The event was officially discontinued a few years ago due to safety concerns, but unofficial versions have continued. Injuries are common, according to the BBC.
In 2010, the local council officially canceled the contest due to the high risk of injury and the inability to manage large crowds safely. Despite this, the event's spirit and appeal have endured through unofficial continuations. Hundreds continue to gather each year to participate or spectate.
[1] BBC News. "Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling: Competition continues despite ban." 26 May 2021. (Accessed 1 May 2023.) https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-57054776
- County of Gloucestershire
- Cheese-rolling
- Munich, Germany
- BBC News
- Safety concerns
- Injuries
- Unofficial continuations
- Pagan spring festival
- Brockworth village
- The 23-year-old German winner, Tom Kopke, hailing from Munich, expressed his dedication towards the unofficial annual cheese-rolling contest in the county of Gloucestershire, a tradition which originated from a pagan spring festival in Brockworth village.
- Despite the fact that the local council in Brockworth discontinued the official cheese-rolling contest due to safety concerns in 2010, spectators and participants continue to gather, showcasing their interest in the event that is also popular among European-leagues such as the premier-league, and is associated with sports like football.
