Some people will do just about anything to compete with others and challenge their limits — even if it means hurling themselves down a steep hill after a small wheel of cheese.
This year a special champion emerged from the annual insanity in Gloucestershire, England.
A 30-year-old, Chris Anderson, has broken the all-time record for the most “cheeses” won in Gloucestershire’s race, by chasing an 8-pound wheel of food (going a reported 70 miles per hour) down Cooper’s Hill (1:2 gradient) in Gloucestershire — for a whopping 22 double Gloucester cheeses in 14 years.
Said Anderson, “I’ve got nothing to prove now. I’m happy,” according to the BBC.
Heavy rain over the past few days made the steep hill very wet and muddy, both for competitors and the thousands — yes, thousands — of spectators who turned out to watch the cheesy and hill-tumbling madness. (Don’t miss this video, right below, to see what we mean!)
“There was a bit more pressure this year as there was a few more locals running,” Anderson also told the BBC after the race.
“And the kid next to me was pulling my shirt all the way down.”
Champion cheese chaser Chris Anderson broke the all-time record for most wheels of cheese won in the annual cheese rolling race in Gloucestershire, England.
Despite taking home the Double Gloucester cheese 22 times, Anderson claims he only likes cheddar. https://t.co/vyIU0932a0 pic.twitter.com/HvIoKYLSxQ
— ABC News (@ABC) May 30, 2018
Nathan Anstey, a 30-year-old soldier from Melbourne, Australia, won in the third race. He tore his left calf in the process of tumbling downhill.
And what’s the reward for risking life and limb by chasing cheese down a hill? Taking the cheese home — but regretfully, Anstey said he likes only cheddar.
Related: Say Cheese — and Eat It Without Guilt
Anstey, who also goes by “Mangoes,” claimed the experience was “just unbelievable.”
“Last year was the first time I did it, and I knew I had to come back. It’s a no-brainer,” he said to the BBC.
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“It’s the most exhilarating thing you can do.”
Deirdre Reilly is a senior editor with LifeZette. Follow her on Twitter.
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