Kiwi wins cheese rolling contest

Cheese chasers roll again

AP

WINNER: Michelle Kokiri said she 'went hard at it all the way'.

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Gisborne's Michelle Kokiri, 25, who works in London as a nanny, has won the women's competition in Gloucestershire's annual cheese rolling event.

The venue, a 33m slope at Cooper's Hill near Brockworth, was the scene of Bank Holiday mayhem this week as thousands of people risked life and limb in an attempt to catch a 3.6kg double gloucester cheese wheel, The Telegraph newspaper reported.

The event, one of Gloucestershire's longest-standing traditions, saw a wacky variety of costumes on show with daring runners turning out in skimpy swim-wear, underpants and super hero costumes.

"I just went hard at it all the way. It's great. It's a buzz and I'm just glad I didn't break anything," Ms Kokiri said.

This year's injury toll of 18 was described as "low" by St John Ambulance, and 10 of the wounded were not competitors but spectators.

Three cheese-chasers were taken to hospital for treatment - two with suspected spinal injuries and one with a dislocated shoulder. The rest had cuts and bruises.

Six people fainted just watching the event and four other spectators have minor injuries.

The final race was won by Josh Geitz, a 24-year-old builder from Brisbane.

The first written evidence of the event dates from 1826, but the tradition was established long before - perhaps as a pagan harvest ritual.

- NZPA

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madicynn rio   #13   05:39 pm Jun 26 2009

hey auntie its madi coungratulas i am so proud of i love and i miss u bye.

chris anderson   #12   02:17 am Jun 05 2009

i won 2 cheese's this year bringing my total wins to 6. roll on next year. i was supposed to be quittin but its in my blood lol

Immigration UK   #11   11:51 am May 30 2009

Does she have a valid work permit?

Mrs Pitt   #10   07:25 pm May 28 2009

Good for her! Yay a kiwi won!

Avon Kokiri   #9   09:54 pm May 27 2009

OMG... Thats my Sister !!! yay we are all proud of you Muichelle

love the whanau in Gizzy and of course your sister in Sydney

Love u XXXXX

Muppet   #8   07:04 pm May 27 2009

25 degrees? That's hot. Try living in Singapore.

Brian   #7   06:10 pm May 27 2009

Yes well we all faint if it hits 25 degrees

Nosaj   #6   03:44 pm May 27 2009

What's up with that guy hammering her at the finish line? Was he trying to get one back for Mike Catt?

Petra   #5   02:10 pm May 27 2009

#3

So people faint in the UK when it gets to 25 degrees? I think it would have more to do with the sight of the carnage.

Nick   #4   12:19 pm May 27 2009

Being originally from Gloucester, this is the best fun anyone can have. Forget bungy jumping! I miss cheese rolling!

PS 25 degrees at the weekend, hence fainting.

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