27 May 2024 , 21:19
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An American YouTuber had to be hospitalised after diving headfirst into one of Britain's top bizarre customs.
IShowSpeed - whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr - had a hard landing at Gloucestershire's cheese rolling on Monday. The content creator and rapper braved the daunting Cooper's Hill event as dozens chased the roll of Double Gloucester down the steep slope.
The annual tradition has seen many injure themselves in a bid for the 3kg wheel over the decades. And this year's event was no different, as many from across the world competed for the different titles.
Darren, from Cincinnati, Ohio, said the race had aggravated a pre-existing leg injury and resulted in him needing hospital treatment, but was "totally worth it". "It looks scary, but once that first slide, you're like, 'you know what I can do this'," he said.
Darren said the race aggravated a leg injury he already had, but that it was 'worth it' (PA)"I want to do it again because I know how to win now," the influencer told the BBC.Asked if he'd do it again he replied, "hell yeah".
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Gutsy competitors took part in six different races at Brockworth's perilous 1:2 gradient hill, taking home cheeses weighing 3kg and 1.5kg. While the official event was axed several years ago, the race has continued unofficially ever since.
Taking home champion title for 2024 was German national Tom Kopke, who travelled all the way from Munich for the event. Winning the accolade, he commented: “England is mad.” This year’s women’s champion was Abby Lampe from the United States who took the title for a second time after a win in 2022.
Dozens took part in the races despite health and safety warnings (PA)The final men's downhill race was won by local Josh Shepherd, from Gloucester, who had also previously won. Last year, the event put emergency services under pressure as several participants sustained injuries, with some even being carted off the site on stretchers.
One high-ranking police official warned of "mass casualties", but the numerous health and safety warnings went unheeded as dozens battled it out on the 180m hill. Gloucestershire Police's Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson acknowledged the event as a "unique tradition, and we have no desire to stop it".
He added they don't wish to halt but cautioned attendees to consider the potential risks involved. One woman who won one of the races last year only learned of her victory upon waking in hospital after fainting at the finish line.