For most world champions, raising the golden cup in the air or kissing the medal around their neck is something they’ll never forget. But I can only recall two things: before and after.
In 2023, I was travelling around the UK with all my worldly possessions strapped to my back. I had ticked off all the sights: Big Ben, Edinburgh Castle and even Chester Zoo. But there was one landmark I still wanted to see – Gloucester’s Cooper’s Hill, where every year, people run down the 220-yard slope chasing after a giant wheel of Double Gloucester cheese.
While the first mention of cheese rolling is in 1826, the sport is likely over 600 years old, possibly beginning as part of a fertility rite or a way to decide livestock grazing rights. Now, it exists for the fun of the hundreds of people who participate each year, with the cheese provided by Gloucestershire farmer Diana Smart.
All I wanted to do was watch the race from behind the relative safety of the fence. But when I got there something changed; I decided to throw myself into it and get the full experience, bruises and all.
Before I knew it, I was at the top of Cooper’s Hill in a crowd of about 20 people jostling for the ideal starting position and trying to find the perfect line down the hazardous slope. My mind was focused on a seven-pound wheel of cheese and the promise of a place in the history books. All I had to do was try not to hurt myself.
“Once I passed the first 20 yards, I just began to roll”
My preparation had been next to none. The night before, the hostel I had been staying in was hastily transformed into a cheese rolling bootcamp. The beds became crash mats. Much to the annoyance of other backpackers, I was throwing myself onto my mattress to perfect my technique. The hurl-roll-and-pray method worked on the relative comfort of the YHA Hostel-issued mattress, but would it pay off on the hill?
It was time to find out. As the cheese was released, something within me switched, and I hurled myself after it.
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was more concerned about the state of my shoes than about reaching the bottom of the hill. Just like my preparation for the run, my selection of platform Converse wasn’t particularly wise. Once I passed the first 20 yards, I just began to roll.
From above, the hill looked to be covered with a luscious thick layer of green velvety grass, but once I started to dig below the surface with every part of my being, I quickly realised it was a minefield of sharp stones. At first, these acted as a boost down the hill, as I bounced off the hard surface, but, as the footage shows, it was the beginning of my rather quick downfall.
“It was as simple as one foot after another. But then everything went black”
With about 50 yards to go, I was able to find my feet and I started to sprint towards the crowd gathered at the bottom of the hill.
It was as simple as one foot after another. But then everything went black.
And that’s as far as my memory goes.
I’ve watched the footage back on a few occasions and I still can’t believe that it is me hurtling down the slope.
But what I do remember is hitting my head very hard one moment and the next waking up in the medical tent – with the prized cheese atop my belly.
If my cheese prize didn’t tell me enough that I was world champion, the flurry of microphones and flashes from the media certainly did.
Still dazed and confused, I was lofted up into the air with my wheel of cheese and a concussion to digest.
To be honest, I don’t really like cheese, but there was something special about that wheel of Double Gloucester. Not only was I able to get it through airport security at Heathrow, but it also brought with it a welcome home party that would befit royalty.
Despite having the bragging rights and international fame of the title, I don’t think it’s something I’m going to throw myself into again any time soon. I think next year I just want to watch.
Want to join in?
If you want to throw yourself into the mix and try your hand at cheese rolling, this is the year to do so. Delaney Irving will be watching to see if anyone can beat her world record time and seize the cheese. This could be your year.
Odd One Out is offering a trip to Cooper’s Hill on Monday May 27 2025. If you fancy a cheese rolling weekend, check out our Membership Page and secure a ticket – make sure you bring a first aid kit.
It’s bound to be a right knockout!