Eddie the Eagle: The Ski Jumper Who Soared Without Winning

Eddie was a gifted downhill skier and despite his best efforts, he failed to make the Great British team. While many would have turned to a different vocation at this time, albeit with a heavy heart, Eddie decided that this was just the start. And he embarked on one of the most exciting journeys in British athletics history.

He looked for any way to continue his Olympic dream and found it in the sport of ski jumping. Realising that no other British skiers competed in this area, Eddie had found himself a way in. But this was only the beginning, as a number of hurdles were in place to stop amateurs competing at the Olympics. But with significant skiing experience, Eddie was no amateur and took well to ski jumping. Even though he was not the masterful skier that his rivals were – due in part to the age he took it up, he still broke the British world record and continued to improve his personal bests.

By the winter of 1987, while working as a plasterer, Eddie got the call he had been waiting for. He was to represent Great Britain at the 1987 World Championships in Bavaria. This was an unbelievable feat for a man who was funding his own dream. His performance at the World Championships was good enough to qualify Eddie for the Winter Olympics the following year.

Charming The World

Eddie The Eagle 3It was Eddie’s appearance at the Winter Olympics in Calgary in 1988 that changed the face of athletics forever. Renowned for its complete dedication to peak performance, the Olympic Games were about to receive a stark reminder of what sport truly means to the world. From the minute Eddie stepped out to compete in the prestigious games he was under the microscope, with many believing he was not good enough to compete. But what Eddie lacked in top-level talent, he made up for in determination.

Though a gifted skier, at Calgary, Eddie would be up against the very best in the world. While some might have found his performance embarrassing, for Eddie it was exciting, a dream come true. And the crowds loved him. Viewers all over the world fell in love with Eddie's captivating personality, and though he was far from the most talented skier in attendance, he proved a popular presence due to his incredible commitment and showmanship.

The crowd began to cheer for Eddie as he stood at the top of the ski jump, prepared for the biggest jump of his life. Eddie and the world took a collective deep breath as he stood atop the 90m slopes hoping to wow the world. But he would have to land this jump.

And he did! Earned himself another personal best and a British record. Pumping his fists with a beaming smile on his face, the crowd began to cheer louder, prompting Eddie to flap his arms up and down, impersonating an Eagle.

src: https://olympic-speakers.com/news/the-story-of-eddie-edwards