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Cooper's Hill near Gloucester, England – The annual cheese-rolling race held at Cooper's Hill witnessed a stunning display of determination and resilience as Delaney Irving, a 19-year-old Canadian traveler, claimed the women's title despite being knocked unconscious during the daring event. Irving's extraordinary feat left spectators in awe, highlighting the relentless spirit of the participants in this thrilling and unconventional competition.
The cheese of choice for the race, Double Gloucester, is a firm cow's milk cheese known for its nutty flavor, often enjoyed alongside brown ales or rich ports. While readily available throughout England, each year, countless daring individuals gather at Cooper's Hill to partake in the renowned cheese-rolling tradition. The ultimate reward for the victor is a hefty seven-pound wheel of Double Gloucester, making the relentless race all the more enticing.
Delaney Irving, who was concluding a six-week European trip, found herself in Gloucester on the day of the race and decided to take on the challenge. With minimal preparation, Irving confessed to CTV News, "We didn't really prepare for it at all. All we did to prepare was, my friend and I took turns jumping on our hotel bed and doing a roll as best as we could."
However, even the most imaginative hotel bed couldn't accurately replicate the gravity-defying steepness of Cooper's Hill. Irving admitted that videos she had seen prior to the race failed to prepare her for the true intensity of the slope. Undeterred, she joined the fray, chasing the fabled wheel of cheese down the treacherous incline. Unfortunately, that is where her memories abruptly ceased.
During her descent, Irving suffered a blow to the head that rendered her unconscious. When she finally regained consciousness, she found herself in the medical tent, bewildered yet victorious, with a wheel of cheese resting on her lap. "I remember running, then bumping my head, and then I woke up in the tent," she recounted to the Associated Press. "I still don't really believe it, but it feels great."
Following the race, Irving underwent a precautionary CT scan that yielded a surprising result – no signs of serious injuries. Irving's mother, Krista Endrizzi, expressed her disbelief, stating, "The scan is clear and she's good. I can't believe that because it looks like she shouldn't be OK."
Delaney Irving's extraordinary win not only adds to the growing legacy of the cheese rolling contest but also makes her the first Canadian woman to claim victory in the women's race at Cooper's Hill. Last year's champion, Abby Lampe, a 21-year-old graduate from North Carolina State University, became the first American woman to secure the coveted cheese wheel. Lampe, in contrast to this year's victor, had diligently prepared for the event, practicing her rolling technique on hills at a local park.
When asked about her affinity for cheese, Irving admitted to CTV News, "I'm not a huge fan." Nevertheless, she joyfully declared, "But I will definitely eat this cheese." Her remarkable journey at Cooper's Hill serves as a testament to her indomitable spirit and undying determination to conquer challenges, even in the face of adversity.
As the annual cheese-rolling race at Cooper's Hill continues to capture the world's imagination, Delaney Irving's unforgettable triumph will forever be etched in the annals of this extraordinary event, inspiring future participants to push their limits and embrace the thrill of the chase.
source: foodandwine.com