Netflix has released its highly anticipated documentary on Gloucestershire’s Cheese Rolling and Wake.
The annual event at Cooper’s Hill is dubbed the “world’s most dangerous footrace” by narrator Rainn Wilson, who plays Dwight Schrute in the hit comedy The American Office.
The documentary, called We Are The Champions, follows the story of Florence Early and Kacie Anderson in the run up to the 2019 edition of the event at Brockworth’s Cooper’s Hill.
Florence, who first ran the race when she was 17, said in the documentary: “When you see that hill, if you’re that type of person, you can’t not want to run down it.”
It touches upon the injuries sustained by the cheese chaser in her successful bid to become the competitions most successful female, by winning for a fourth time in 2020.
We Are The Champions is a six-part documentary that explores the “quirkiest, most charming, and oddly inspirational competitions you never knew existed”, according to Netflix.
The first episode follows the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling, with other episodes including chili eating and fantasy hair styling.
Florence meets the “king of Cooper’s Hill” Chris Anderson in the build-up to the event to draw on his experience of 22 wins in the event.
Chris, did not run in the 2019 event as he was on holiday with his family, but the 30-minute documentary also follows his niece Kacie Anderson, who did compete.
Netflix explores the origins of the event, as well as the myths and legends behind the Brockworth occasion.
Florence’s parents admit to being nervous about their daughter competing in the race on camera.
The climax of the documentary comes on race day when Florence and Kacie compete in the 2019 women’s race on Cooper’s Hill.
Florence took first place, breaking her foot in the process, with Kacie finishing her first attempt in third.
