Conquering the Hill: Abby Lampe's Journey to Cheese-Rolling Glory

After taking a year off, American Abby Lampe won the annual cheese-rolling competition in an English village. This event draws participants from all over the globe and involves tumbling 200 yards down a steep hill through mud, grass, and a sea of limbs to claim victory.

In western England, a tradition takes place where enthusiasts gather to chase a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down Cooper's Hill. The competition is straightforward - the cheese is rolled down the hill and the first person to reach the bottom wins the wheel as their prize.

“It’s a very steep hill,” Lampe, the winner of this year’s first women’s race told CNN Sport’s Don Riddell, adding she estimates it is about “45 degrees.”

Chaotic scenes as competitors come tumbling down the hill during the annual Cooper's Hill cheese-rolling competition.

Chaotic scenes as competitors come tumbling down the hill during the annual Cooper's Hill cheese-rolling competition.

Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images

When you look down, you can see the bottom, but it's a long way down. At the starting line, you're holding onto the grass to avoid falling. "After winning two years ago, I didn't want to just hold onto that victory because it's getting older like cheese. I wanted to reclaim the win and bring the title back to the US," said Lampe, who is from North Carolina.

The competition at Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, Gloucestershire has evolved from a local event to a global attraction, drawing participants and observers from around the world. However, if you are considering joining the 2025 edition, be aware that injuries are a common occurrence during the competition.

According to Lampe, who shared insights from a past event, injuries such as broken legs, collarbones, ankles, and arms have been reported in previous competitions. The high risk nature of the event is further exacerbated by the recent wet weather in the UK, adding an extra layer of danger to this already daring competition.

She added, "My face and body got banged up a lot going down the hill, but that's just part of the price you pay to win the cheese rolling competition."

Lampee shared her winning strategy, saying, "I usually just sprint from the start and then start rolling. Two years ago, this strategy helped me win as I tumbled down to the finish line. I stuck with a similar plan this year."

The tournament has become internationally known in recent years.

The tournament has become internationally known in recent years.

Jacob King/PA Wire

Competitors Tom Kopke of Germany, Australian Dylan Twist and local Josh Shepherd won the first, second and third men’s races, respectively.

Editor's P/S:

The annual cheese-rolling competition is a testament to the human spirit of competition and the pursuit of victory at any cost. Despite the inherent danger and potential for injury, participants from around the globe flock to Cooper's Hill to chase a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down a steep slope. The event has evolved from a local tradition to a global attraction, drawing spectators and participants alike.

The determination of Abby Lampe, the American winner of the women's race, is particularly inspiring. After taking a year off, she returned to reclaim her victory, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the competition and her willingness to face the risks associated with it. Lampe's winning strategy, which involved sprinting from the start and then rolling, highlights the physical and mental strength required to succeed in this challenging event. The fact that the competition has become internationally known in recent years is a testament to its unique appeal and the thrill it provides to both participants and observers.