BBC News, Gloucestershire
German Tom Kopke was victorious at the Gloucestershire cheese-rolling event for the second year in a row, saying he “risked his life” to win.
Mr Kopke, 23, who runs his own YouTube channel, was one of dozens of competitors who took part in the traditional annual event down the steep slopes of Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire.
“Last year the hill was muddy and this year it was dry and dangerous and people got injured,” he said after his victory.
There were seven races in all, two of them in memory of former cheese rolling winners who have since died.
Reuters“It was crazy. This year was different,” said Mr Kopke, who publishes content to his 366,000 subscribers under the name Tooleko. “I shut off my brain and went for it.
“All the people at the top said they were going to steal my title, but this is mine.
“I worked for this. I risked my life for this. It’s my cheese – back to back.”
One spectator from Mr Kopke’s race was taken to hospital from the event, which the local authorities say is dangerous and puts a strain on the county’s ambulance service.
PA Media
ReutersThousands of people watched the races from the side, top and bottom of Cooper’s Hill.
The second men’s race was won by Luke Preece, from Gloucester, who flew down the hill race dressed in a Superman costume.
“I am absolutely buzzed, amazing… the adrenaline,” he said afterwards.
“My dad did it, I can’t believe it, it’s amazing.”
The women’s race was won by London university student Ava Sender Logan, 20.
“This is my first time,” she said.
“I thought it was such a tradition, and I will probably feel it tomorrow.
“It felt quite long coming down and then I hit my head. I’m down – that’s what matters.”
The final men’s downhill race was won by Byron Smith, 33, from New Zealand, who had to settle for second place last year.
“It feels great, yeah,” he said.
“I did it last year and came second in my heat and I thought I could do it this year and I did.
“I ran as fast as I could and tried to get back up, and this year I did.”
