From Laughingstock to Legend: The Story of Eddie the Eagle

From Laughingstock to Legend

Michael Edwards became world-famous under the name "Eddie the Eagle," rising to ski jumping legend status at the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. The Brit remains a beloved figure and now celebrates his 60th birthday.

Michael Edwards' path to becoming a ski jumping legend took shape from a young age when he was constantly seeking sporting challenges and dares. "I started skiing at 13 and would jump over friends and cars with my skis," the Brit recalls about his first efforts at jumping in the Luzerner Zeitung.

The story began in 1985 when Edwards decided he wanted to fulfill his dream of participating in the Olympics one day. At that time, there were no British ski jumpers, so Edwards set out to learn the sport himself, intending to represent the UK internationally. His big goal was to compete in the 1988 Calgary Olympics.

Everything Different for Edwards

Eddie had little money, but his hope was immense. Due to his financial situation, he could barely afford new training equipment and relied on support from other nations. "The Austrian team gave me better skis, the West Germans provided a suit, and I got a helmet from the Italians."

Training was hard and dangerous, involving plenty of falls. He had "enough fear" to concentrate but not enough to give up. Remarkably, just five months after starting ski training, he took on a 120-meter jump for the first time. "I trained for 20 months instead of the usual 20 years like other ski jumpers." Less than two years after his first jump, he went to the Olympic Games.

Eddie Delivered a Show for the Audience

Edwards was known for his distinctive – and often fogged-up – glasses. His notably wobbly jumping style ensured he always put on a show for the audience, quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Sporting events in Calgary did not go as planned for him. He finished last on both the normal and large hills. However, the focus shifted away from results. On that day, "Eddie the Eagle" made ski jumping history and, for the fans, became the true star of the Olympics.

For Edwards, that day fulfilled a lifetime dream. "I broke everything, even my skull twice. But it was all worth it because I was the first Brit to represent my country in ski jumping at the Olympics."

Though "Eddie the Eagle" never jumped far, he leaped right into the hearts of fans. The story of Michael Edwards remains one of the most absurd and spectacular in winter sports history.