Twenty five people were injured at an annual cheese‐rolling competition in which daredevils chase giant cheese wheels down a steep slope in western England. Dozens took part in the bizarre event at Cooper's Hill in Brockworth, Gloucestershire, before a crowd of about 3000 cheering spectators. They raced for 200 m down the slope after wheel‐shaped Double Gloucester cheeses, decorated in a blue and red ribbon. Many slipped, somersaulted, and tumbled their way to the bottom during five bone‐crunching races over two hours. Of the 25 people hurt, 12 were spectators, one of whom was hit by one of the hard, 4 kg, dinner plate sized cheeses used in each race, but only two people were taken to hospital for further assessment. The organisers said the number of injuries was comparatively low. “We usually average around 30 to 40 people who need treatment”, said Jim Jones, operations training manager for St John Ambulance. “The most serious injuries this year appear to be a dislocated finger and a possible fractured ankle.” 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.
Contributed by Ian Scott. From The Australian.