Reappraising Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards: a dedicated athlete who made the best of his talent | Sport | The Guardian Share on Messenger Close Sport, especially in this internet age, divides opinion. As soon as anything even slightly contentious happens, you can feel the controversy coming. It makes you wonder how the modern world would have coped with some of the sporting events of yesteryear. Take Eddie "the Eagle" Edwards. For some, he was a hero who sacrificed a lot to live the dream: an athlete who competed with a smile on his face, and deservedly reaped the rewards of his unexpected fame while he could. For others, Edwards was a laughing stock who belittled both the sport of ski jumping and the 1988 Winter Olympics, and represented everything that was bad in a nation that seemed to adore sporting losers. Either way, the story behind Edwards' rise to stardom is still fascinating all these years later; and love him or hate him, you cannot deny Edwards his place in Winter Olympics history. Edwards' progression from a downhill skier to a ski jumper was born out of necessity.

Trying and narrowly failing to qualify for the 1984 Olympics as a downhill skier, Edwards soon began to run out of money, and in 1986 he had a decision to make: "I didn't have much money, so thought I'd better find something cheaper to do. I went along to the ski jumps [in Lake Placid, where he had been training] and thought: that looks alright." After a couple of hours on the 15m jumps, Edwards moved on to the 40m version and promptly fell on landing. It wouldn't be his last accident. Five months later, Edwards had stepped up to the 70m jump and was now on a mission to get to Calgary in 1988. Inevitably, things did not run smoothly. Without financial backing, and with no ski jumps in Britain, Edwards borrowed his mum's car and drove around Europe to qualify for the Olympics. In 1986 he jumped a British record distance of 68m in Kandersteg, Switzerland, to bring his Olympic dream that much closer. Edwards' European tour was not a bundle of laughs.

Penniless, he had to take up a variety of part-time jobs, including babysitting, cutting grass, working in hotels and cooking. At one point he ended up staying in a Finnish mental health hospital paying £1 a night for the privilege – it was there that he would discover that he had made the Olympic team – and such was his shortage of money that on another occasion he broke his jaw, but could not afford the medical bills, so tied it up himself with a pillowcase and simply carried on. No one said it was going to be easy. On top of the monetary concerns, Edwards had worries about his sporting life. Wearing six pairs of socks to make his second-hand boots fit, and a helmet tied on with a piece of string as it was too big for him – on one landing his helmet fell off, before the Italy team kindly provided him with a better fit – Edwards also had the problem of far-sightedness, which meant he had to wear glasses while jumping. "Sometimes I take off, and I can't see where I'm going," admitted a rather blasé Edwards, who didn't seem at all concerned that his glasses misted up in mid-air and restricted his vision. Sheer madness.

By Boxing Day 1986, Edwards was taking part in European Cup events – his debut was at St Moritz – and he represented Great Britain at the 1987 World Championships in Obertsdorf, Germany. Unsurprisingly, he finished last. His popularity among crowds at World Cup events was growing, but he had no idea about the reception he would receive in Calgary in February 1988. Arriving in the early hours of the morning, Edwards' accident-prone nature extended to the carousel of Calgary airport, his luggage bursting out of his case and spilling pants and socks everywhere. Undeterred, he jumped on the carousel and chased after his clothing – hardly the ideal start to his Olympic experience. And then came the first signs of what was to follow; waiting outside was a Canadian TV crew and a fan club with a banner that declared: "Welcome to Calgary, Eddie The Eagle". That nickname had been mentioned for the first time. The Eagle had well and truly landed.

Startled at first, Edwards gathered himself, before revealing his clumsy side again, as he went to greet his adoring public: "I walked towards [the banner] but the automatic doors had been turned off, so I walked into the glass and my skis bounced off the doors, everything broke and I became Mr Magoo." His fans, aware of Edwards' finances, handed over a collection to their hero, who was quickly becoming one of the central figures of the Games. Edwards attends a press conference at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Photograph: Mike Powell/Getty Images Indeed, many of the world's media decided to attend a press conference with Edwards, rather than sitting through a briefing from IOC president Juan-Antonio Samaranch, although Edwards got lost in the Olympic village and was not allowed to enter the media centre due to a lack of accreditation. When he did speak, Edwards was constantly defending his right to be at the Games. "Where is it written that the Olympics are only for winners?" said a determined Edwards, and in some press quarters he had his backers.

The Times' David Miller, who before the Games wrote about Britain's ski jumper Michael Edwards (Eddie's real name), was certain that Edwards and his British team-mates deserved to be at the Olympics, referring back to Baron de Coubertin's original philosophy of the taking part being more important than winning. As the days went by, the debate raged on, as the cult of Edwards grew and grew. Amid the media circus there was actually a ski jumping event at the Winter Olympics. To the purists, Matti Nykanen's two individual golds were thrilling confirmation, if it was needed, that the Finn was one of the all-time greats. Yet for many of the 46,000 crowd watching the first event (the 70m jump), there was another heroic performance on display that Valentine's Day. He may have only jumped 55m on both attempts, but Eddie the Eagle was afforded an ovation worthy of a winner. Eddie Edwards in action during the 70m ski jump event at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, Canada.

Photograph: Gray Mortimore/Getty Images As soon as Edwards appeared at the top of the ramp, the crowd began chanting "Eddie, Eddie" repeatedly, as the man himself held his lucky charm – a golden boot given to him by his girlfriend Hannah – and said his usual prayer: "May I survive and come through this intact". Edwards had written Eagle in gold on his helmet as a tribute to his followers, and although he finished last and was a full 16m behind his nearest competitor, neither Edwards nor the crowd left the venue disappointed. Britain's first ever ski jumping representative fully soaked up the adulation. However, not everyone was enamoured with the attention he was receiving. The East German newspaper Junge Welt labelled him a "clown", accusing Edwards of debasing the Olympic Games. "Where would the Olympic Games go if the Eddie Edwards of this world took their place in every discipline and so discredited the sporting achievements of all those who far outstrip them in ability?" questioned the East Germans, who were not alone in voicing their concerns.

At the end of the Games, the Malcolm Folley of the Express wrote: "In future, competitors should be required to meet qualifying standards, before they are allowed to enter." Pinterest If the authorities had their way, that would have been that for Edwards' Olympic involvement. Before the 90m event, Calgary had been hit by strong winds, delaying both the men's downhill race and the ski jumping. Norwegian Torjborn Yggeseth, director of the event, approached British officials and asked them to withdraw Edwards from the final: "On a day with marginal weather conditions I would ask Edwards not to jump," said Yggeseth. The appeal fell upon deaf ears. "Under Olympic rules we did not have the power to ban him from making the first of his two jumps," said Yggeseth. "But yes, we did go to the British delegation and asked them to withdraw him.

Evidently they decided he could manage." Between the events, Edwards had been bombarded with publicity, so much so that the British Skiing Federation set up a trust fund to cope with the flow of cash coming in – as Edwards was an amateur, his earnings could not go straight into his pocket – and the British Olympic Association helped to find him a manager to control his affairs. Edwards needed all the help he could get, with offers flying in from companies such as Vladivar Vodka, Olympus Cameras, Hamlet and Cadbury. Edwards was a man in demand. The night before the 90m final highlighted the fuss surrounding Edwards' every move. Invited to a supposedly private dinner with his family at a club, Edwards was shocked when hordes of reporters and TV crews appeared. Chaotic scenes ensued, as Edwards – billed by the club as "the man, the myth, the legend" – was invited onstage with a group of showgirls called the Eaglettes. After two postponements, the 90m event finally took place.

As Britain's Wilf O'Reilly was winning a gold medal in the demonstration sport of short-track speed skating, Edwards was gaining considerably more attention for again coming last, although he had some consolation in setting a new personal best and a British record of 71m. And he had managed to get through all his jumps without serious injury, which was a blessing for everyone. Just one day later, Edwards was whisked away from Calgary, flown first-class to Los Angeles to appear on the Johnny Carson show, along with international film star Burt Reynolds. Heady times indeed. Edwards was not finished in Calgary though, returning for the closing ceremony, which would be another remarkable occasion. In his closing speech, Frank King, the chief executive of the Games, mentioned Edwards: "You have captured our hearts. And some of you have soared like eagles." Cue thousands of people crying "Eddie, Eddie, Eddie", as the 24-year-old stood up to milk the applause. Before the Games, Edwards had been a little-known plasterer from Cheltenham, a man who was only famous to those of us who watched Ski Sunday.

But during the Olympics this changed dramatically, as the Eagle was front and back page news throughout the Games, as the whole country sagged under the weight of the hype surrounding his activities. Edwards arrives back in London after the 1988 Winter Olympics. Photograph: John Downing/Getty Images Heathrow airport was positively swarming with press and fans – along with a model for Vladivar Vodka, who were attempting to get a photo snapped with Eddie – as Edwards made his way through the terminal on arriving back in England. There were no accidents on the carousel and no problems with electric doors this time as a considerably bigger crowd greeted him. Twenty police officers helped him through the mass of bodies (reportedly as many as 10,000 people). Britain's new superstar was immediately whisked off to a London recording studio to make his Top 50 single Fly Eddie Fly – we could have done without that to be honest – and to appear on Wogan, albeit with Sue Lawley standing in. A civic reception awaited in Cheltenham the next day. Edwards got trapped inside a Rolls Royce and desperate for a wee as thousands of people lined the streets, screaming "Eddie is our hero".

Luckily, he found a toilet before boarding a beer lorry for his parade. For a time, Edwards' feet did not touch the ground. From an overdraft of £2,500 and unpaid bills of £5,000, Edwards was now commanding top dollar, getting paid up to £10,000 an hour to open rides at Alton Towers and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. In one day he earned £65,000. Understandably, Edwards made hay while the sun shone, claiming to have earned between £500,000 and £600,000 in 1988 alone. Through it all, the arguments for and against Edwards and his sudden rise to fame rumbled on. Simon Barnes of the Times was firmly in the Eagle's camp: "Don't condemn him for taking part in the Olympics and doing his poor best in them.

Are the modern Olympics not for the taking part, but for the winning?" Yet the wheels were in motion within the IOC to make sure that athletes like Edwards did not get the opportunity to take part in the Olympics in future; in 1990 the Eddie the Eagle Rule was established, meaning an athlete had to be in the top 30 per cent of international competitors, or the top 50, whichever was fewer. Edwards would never again compete at an Olympic Games. Gradually and inevitably Edwards' star began to fade. He continued ski jumping in Europe and, by 1998, Edwards was reported to be jumping distances of 85m and 115m on the 90m and 120m jumps respectively, but he would never again make the Olympics. By 1992 things had taken a sour turn, as Edwards entered involuntary bankruptcy, unable to pay a tax bill due to his trust fund being managed poorly; Edwards would subsequently settle out of court against his trustees and get some of his money back. A return to building suggested a fall from grace for the Eagle, but the after-dinner speaking circuit and motivational lectures still kept the money coming in.

He even sold film rights for his life story – it's still in the pipeline – and was a torchbearer in Winnipeg, as part of the relay as the Olympic flame made its way to Vancouver for the 2010 Games. Eddie Edwards poses for the camera in his home town of Cheltenham. Photograph: Getty Images So, on which side of the fence do you sit? Was he a no-hoper who made a mockery of international sport, or a plucky underdog who captivated the world through his bravery and determination to fulfil his dream? Personally, I agree with David Miller, who wrote that competitors such as Edwards "have a place in the Games, but not in the newspapers". Surely everyone has the right to represent their nation in the Olympics, although the level of celebrity afforded to Edwards was a little over the top. At the time, I loved it though, probably because I was a 12-year-old boy who was not yet cynical enough to criticise.

Those who still mock Edwards – and there were plenty who did so at the time – should consider the sacrifices he made to get to Calgary in 1988, the bravery needed to take yourself to the top of any ski jump and propel yourself off it at speeds of 50mph. The celebration of his poor performance was not ideal, and being famous for not being very good at something is a problem that still persists in this country today, but who among us would have turned down the chance of fame that came after all that Edwards had put himself through? Who could have knocked the money back after years on the breadline? It is easy to moan about Eddie and laugh at him, but from purely a sporting point of view, he deserves a lot of praise for making his Calgary dream a reality. Winter Olympics Memorable Moments: Eddie "the Eagle" Edwards More Memorable Moments He soared like a brick into the hearts of Olympic fans across the world. Eddie Edwards, a comically inept British ski jumper didn't come close to winning any medals in the 1988 Calgary Games . In fact, he finished dead last in both the 70- and 90-meter jumps.

He did, however, win a large amount of fame and a small fortune thanks to his complete lack of skill and lovably goofy look. Sarcastically nicknamed "the Eagle," he dropped into the public consciousness and was easily the most popular athlete to compete that year. The doughy, bespectacled former plasterer with the silly grin parlayed his 15 minutes of fame into a $65,000 deal to tell his life story to a tabloid and—no joke—a number-two song ("Mun Niemi En Eetu" or "My Name is Eddie") in Finland in 1991. Even IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch , though privately critical of Edwards for appearing to mock the Games with his fish-out-of-water performance, seemed to embrace him during his speech at the closing ceremonies. "[At Calgary] people set new goals, created new world records, and some even flew like an eagle," he said to raucous applause. Despite the kind words, the IOC subsequently instituted what is known as the Eddie the Eagle Rule, which requires Olympic hopefuls to finish in the top third of an international competition, or among the top 50 competitors, whichever is less.

This effectively eliminated Edwards from future Games. The eagle returned to his nest, Calgary, in 2008 during the 20-year anniversary of the Games. And he will "fly" once more in 2010 as one of 15 special international torchbearers. Spectators who cheered him on in 1998 may not recognize Eddie the Eagle-his trademark thick glasses are gone thanks to corrective surgery, and his jaw has been realigned due to repeated breaks caused by jumps gone wrong. But Eddie's Olympic spirit remains intact and will be on display as he carries the torch through Winnepeg in January. More about the 2010 Winter Olympics Did you know? Eddie the Eagle's flame still burns ahead of the Vancouver Winter Olympics - Telegraph Winter Sports Eddie the Eagle's flame still burns ahead of the Vancouver Winter Olympics It was a far cry from Calgary in 1988, when 90,000 people stood at the bottom of the 120-metre-high ski jump and chanted "Eddie, Eddie," but even in temperatures plunging to a brutally cold -38C, Eddie the Eagle still managed to draw a crowd.

Plucky as ever: Eddie the Eagle waves to the fans in Winnipeg Photo: AP By Simon Hart 7:51PM GMT 07 Jan 2010 Shivering in the early-morning gloom in the warehouse district of Winnipeg, a hundred or so hardy souls lined the pavement for a glimpse of Michael Edwards, the man described by the local newspaper as "one of the most famous Olympians ever". They were rewarded when, right on time, a waving, gurning figure jogged into view, dressed head to toe in white but for a pair of red mittens and holding aloft a flaming Olympic torch. "This feels almost as good as jumping in Calgary 22 years ago, but a lot safer," he quipped as he hammed it up for the scrum of cameramen following every step of his 300-metre run – part of a 28,000-mile torch relay that will end when the Olympic Cauldron is lit in Vancouver on Feb 12. "How does it feel to be an Olympic icon, Eddie?" asked one reporter. "It feels very nice," he replied. "I'm just very proud and honoured to be here.

I just hope I don't trip over and become the flame." It was a scene that will send shudders through the hierarchy of the British Olympic Association, who still regard Edwards as a national embarrassment who tarnished the image of Team GB when he finished a distant last in both the 90m and 120m ski-jump events – a sin he compounded by clowning around. Related Articles Lindsey Vonn in hospital after World Cup fall 28 Dec 2009 His name has come to represent the benchmark of failure for British officialdom and only recently Sir Clive Woodward, the BOA's director of Olympic performance, promised there would be no repeat in Vancouver. "We have put the Eddie the Eagle image behind us," he said. "To be brutally honest, it didn't do anything for sport in this country." But Canadians see things rather differently. To them Edwards, 46, remains a folk hero, the little man with the thick glasses and borrowed equipment who triumphed over adversity and risked life and limb to follow his Olympic dream. It is why he was picked by the Canadian Tourism Commission to be one of 14 international torch bearers to carry the flame during its 106-day journey across the country.

Most of the others are Olympic champions. "We wanted to find candidates who really embody the spirit of Olympism and we felt that Eddie the Eagle fitted that category very well," CTC spokesman John Parker-Jervis said. "He certainly has a story and attitude that shows that if you put your mind to anything you can get it done." It is a message that clearly still resonates because, 22 years after his hapless performances captured the world's imagination, his celebrity status shows no sign of diminishing. Since his arrival in Canada on Monday, he has done the rounds of television and radio chat shows and made front-page news from east to west coast. He has also been given the red-carpet treatment in Winnipeg, having a curling lesson from a former world champion, ice-skating on the frozen Assiniboine River, even climbing up a 60ft ice wall. He got stuck halfway up. For Edwards, it has been an emotional experience that has reinforced his belief in the outmoded Baron de Coubertin view that sport is not just about winning. "I think sport needs more Eddie the Eagles," he said.

"A lot of top sports people are fantastic at what they do but they can be as boring as hell and sport is all about entertainment. "That's why sport shouldn't be only about the winning. You can do very well by being a mediocre sportsperson if you have a great personality and are entertaining. "To be asked to join in with the Olympic dream is wonderful. We don't have that many winter athletes and for the Canadians to ask me to come over to represent Britain, much to the disgust of the BOA I imagine, is a lovely honour." Edwards's hopes of competing in more than one Olympic Games were never realised. His performance in Calgary prompted the International Olympic Committee to tighten qualification standards – known popularly as the 'Eddie Rule' – and even when he had the chance to compete as a wild card, the old British Ski Federation refused to send him. But his Olympic story still earns him a tidy living. He tells it on around four cruises a year and in numerous after-dinner speeches. He is also appearing in a new television commercial for Churchill Insurance and a film about his life is due to go into production later this year with actor Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, in the title role.

That should keep the PR work rolling in for a few more years. Married with two young daughters, Edwards now has a different appearance from his heyday. On medical advice, he had his famously prominent jaw realigned 12 years ago and his trademark glasses are now redundant after he underwent lens implant surgery. He still carries them with him, though, just to remind people what he used to look like and to oblige the media. He has never been averse to a photo opportunity. There is a good chance that the Eddie the Eagle film will be released just before the London Olympics, though he does not expect another invitation to take part in an Olympic torch relay. "I keep thinking, if they asked me to run in the London relay, would I do it or would I turn it down?" he said. "But the Olympic movement has been so nasty and horrible to me that I would probably tell them to stuff it. "It's such a shame because, as an ex-Olympian, I think I can do a lot to encourage kids to go for their Olympic dreams." Eddie the Eagle (2016) Author: bob-the-movie-man from United Kingdom The British love a plucky loser.

"Eddie the Eagle" tells the astonishing but true story of everyman plasterer Eddie Edwards who qualified for, and then competed in, the Calgary Olympics in 1988 (probably most famous for those other plucky losers  the Jamaican bobsleigh team of Disney's "Cool Runnings" fame). I have absolutely no idea how the traditionally more success-driven and competitive American audience will see it, but the packed English showing I attended all clearly loved this film as a feel-good classic. The film starts with Eddie's childhood, struggling out of leg braces to try to pursue his Olympic dream with no success whatsoever. (Excellent performances here by brothers Tom and Jack Costello who set-up the tone for the film). His battle is not just against his lack of skill: whilst his mother (Jo Hartley) is quietly supportive, his father Terry (Keith Allen) is  not unreasonably it must be said  hugely frustrated at his son's fanciful ideas, wanting him to follow in the family plastering tradition with the same zeal.

(The gulf in ambition is vast  Eddie: "Didn't you have a dream when you were younger Dad?"; Terry: "Yes, plastering".) Eventually Eddie finds a sport he is half decent in (by British standards!): downhill skiing, but is thwarted in following his Olympic dreams by smarmy and sneering Olympic selector Dustin Target, played by Tim McInnerny (from "Black Adder" and "Notting Hill" someone who has rather cornered the market on 'smarmy and sneering'). It is then that he exploits ancient rules in the UK Olympic playbook to try to qualify in the discipline of ski-jumping: something no one has done since the 1920's. Linking up in Austria with an alcohol-infused coach and ex- jumper Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman), Eddie faces the terrors of the 40m and then 70m jumps to try to learn the sport (16 years too late). This film has been long in gestation, with both Steve Coogan and Rupert Grint originally earmarked for the role.

But Matthew Vaughn's involvement in the current project probably contributed to Taron Egerton getting the job following their work together on last year's "Kingsman". And a great choice he is too. Almost unrecognizable from the sharp- suited Eggsy in "Kingsman" and gangster-sidekick Teddy in "Legend", Egerton switches effortlessly between clueless goofball and steely determined sportsman. The film's emotional heart though is with Hugh Jackman's side-story, battling with drink after throwing his own chance away with US-coach Warren Sharp (a nice cameo by Christopher Walken). Although going a little OTT at times (we see for example that he is no Meg Ryan!), Jackman provides a solid acting foundation that the rest of the cast can play off. Rounding out the cast are solid performances from Jo Hartley ("This is England") as Eddie's Mum, Mark Benton ("Waterloo Road") as a BOA official, Rune Temte as a bear of a Norwegian coach and the ever-warming Jim Broadbent as a BBC commentator. An 'attaboy' should also go to the special effects crew headed up by Marty McLaughlin for making believe a man can fly.

Whilst  you understand  not in any way doubting Jackman's ability to risk his pretty face on a 90m jump, the nighttime sequence of him doing that jump is really nicely executed (with cinematography by George Richmond). A quick browse at Wikipedia will make it clear that there has been a lot of license taken with this as a "true story", and to be fair the prefix "based on a.." was used! And the film is not without irritations: Terry's negativity to his son's actions is about 25% overplayed in Simon Kelton's story, and the coach/protégé sub-plot has been overused in the past. The soundtrack (music) by Matthew Margeson is also rather grating particularly early on in the film: it is presumably going for 'period' in its use of Hammond organ cheesiness, but that music was tiresome in the 80's too! Fortunately Margeson redeems himself with some kick-ass (no pun intended) classic 80's tracks neatly edited into the action. These criticisms aside, I dare you to come out of this film without a silly grin on your face. I certainly did.

Directed by Dexter Fletcher ("Sunshine on Leith") it's not likely to win any Oscars, but in setting out to deliver what it said on the can it succeeded in all respects. (Please visit bob-the-movie-man.com to see the graphical version of this review. You can also subscribe there for future reviews. Thanks.) Was the above review useful to you? Eddie the Eagle still flying years after 1988 Calgary Games - USATODAY.com Eddie the Eagle still flying years after 1988 Calgary Games Posted E-mail | Print | By Mike Lopresti. Gannett In England, there's not much construction work to do during the winter. So certainly, Michael Edwards would have time for a phone chat. Perhaps you know him better as Eddie the Eagle. Remember? The ski jumper who would come roaring off the ramp at Calgary in 1988, and then drop like a battleship anchor. He arrived at the Winter Olympics with thick glasses, an adorable sense of humor, a large heart — and no more chance to win a medal than Romeo or Juliet. A ski jumper from a country that did not have ski jumping. The world loved him.

It still does, even if the curmudgeons at the International Olympic Committee have tried to outlaw his kind. Michael Edwards still plasters his share of walls, and took he time to get a law degree. He's a family man with two little girls. He's 46 years old and had surgery on his eyes, so no more Coke-bottle glasses. But he's still Eddie, when asked. He hosted a television show, just filmed a commercial, gets booked as a speaker on cruise lines. Hear Eddie, on your way to the midnight buffet. "It's been so long, 22 years," he said. "Some years I'm still quite busy. I'm amazed I'm still earning a living from it." Any theory why? "I was exemplifying the Olympic spirit at Calgary. That was a very powerful message. People even now, 22 years later, remember me jumping." Not to mention coming back down to Earth. Quickly. But the Olympic folks can't seem to make up their minds about Eddie. Canada invited him to take part in the torch relay for Vancouver. There he was in Winnipeg on a bitterly cold Jan. 7 morning, carrying the torch for 300 yards.

People lined up to take pictures, asking him to put on those glasses, as they still always do. He's glad to oblige, but he wasn't about to wear them as he ran. "That's how, I suppose, people remember me," he said. "But at that time of the morning, I was a bit fearful of falling and rolling over the torch and becoming the Olympic flame myself." Eddie in flames. That probably would have landed him another cruise-line gig or two. Meanwhile, the Olympic high command quickly stiffened rules to keep his sort out of the Games. No more novelty acts. Jacques Rogge , IOC president and wet blanket, recently said, "I think in the Olympic Games that eagles don't fly anymore." One eagle didn't much appreciate that. "I think they misunderstood what was happening and why it was happening at Calgary," he said. "I would have been able to really promote the sport for many years afterward. I would have gotten better and better. It was a bit of a knee-jerk reaction. "For me, getting to those Olympic Games was getting my gold medal. I was one of the last true Olympians, one of the last true amateur sports persons." He's doing fine, anyway, being himself.

The 1988 Games have never quite ended. "I'm just the same," he said. "I was completely natural at the Olympics, doing the best with what I had. I'm just the same now. Except I'm better looking. I've aged like fine wine." He's hoping a TV station sends him to Vancouver, but if not, he'll watch the events back home near Birmingham on the telly. "Ski jumping, snowboarding, the downhill," he said. "No way on Earth I would watch figure skating or curling." Oh, and did we mention the movie? The biopic on his life is due to start filming later this year, with Rupert Grint — known for his work in the Harry Potter films — playing Eddie. The real Eddie has a couple of other preferences. But can any of them ski jump? Well, never mind. E-mail | Print | To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones . For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com . Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com . Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil.

Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more . What Eddie 'the eagle' Edwards Can Teach You About Digital Marketing | The Official Site Of Geri Hayes Tweet What Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards Can Teach You About Digital Marketing The Legendary Eddie the Eagle Edwards British Olympic Ski Jumper, is making a comeback after 25 years when he came last in the Calgary 1998 Winter Olympics. Despite turning 50 this week, the plasterer says he is still in good shape and will take part in the New Year’s Day event in Bavaria. ~ Mirror . In the 1998 Calgary winter Olympics, Eddie Edwards competed in, and finished last in, both the 70 m and 90 m events. All eyes around the world were on him, the first British Ski Jumper to compete in this event, with no money or sponsors. Soon his attention made athletes and official think he is was making a mockery out of the sport.

As a result, in 1990 the IOC instituted what became known as the Eddie the Eagle Rule, which requires Olympic hopefuls to compete in international events and place in the top 30 percent or the top 50 competitors, whichever is fewer. As a result, Edwards failed to qualify for the 1992 and the 1994 Winter Olympics. In the 1998 winter Olympics closing ceremony, he was singled out in a speech by the IOC president who said, at these Games some competitors have won gold, some have broken records and one has even flown like an eagle. At that moment, 100,000 people in the stadium roared, Eddie! Eddie! It was the first time in the history of the Games that an individual athlete had been mentioned in the closing speech. From then on Eddie was known and always will be Eddie the Eagle. What Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards Can Teach You About Digital Marketing: Fly Like an eagle. Fly like an eagle to the top of the mountain of success in digital marketing, Eddie’s inspirational story of his sheer guts and determination to breakthrough barriers.

Eddie had no real experience in Ski Jumping he only managed 20 months training in Ski Jumping before he got to Calgary, while the other entire competitor jumper had many years. Eddie had no money or sponsorship, he always found ways. Why did he do this? The whole situation was crazy. No money to fund the event, little experience in Ski jumping and then Ski Jump from 70 meters off a mountain! Eddie was driven, laser focused on what he wanted to do what he dreamed of since he was eight years old to compete in the Olympics he fell in love with Skiing since he went on a school trip a few years later, he realized then he could achieved his Olympic dream. What Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards Can Teach You About Digital Marketing: Fly Like an eagle. Fly like an eagle in your business in digital marketing takes courage to do the things you are afraid of and do them anyway. Anything is possible if you believe in yourself. Have a clear vision what your dream or goals will look like and the potential in your money producing activities. You can reach the top of the mountain, and past 80% of people have failed already to get started in the digital marketing business.

Now you’re with the 99% who have broken through the barrier overcome the obstacles that could have stopped you fulfilling your dream goals. Now it’s plain sailing back down the other side of the mountain you have become a digital marketing entrepreneur with the 1% of entrepreneurs succeed. Take the first step to climb your mountain to success through digital marketing click here What Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards Can Teach You About Digital Marketing: Feel the Fear and do it anyway I have very fond memories of Eddie the eagle an absolute legend. What Eddie can teach us in digital marketing business is his courage not only to Ski Jump which takes a lot of balls in itself, but to keep going not letting obstacles like having no money or sponsors to make his dream come true. Try not to please other people, never let anyone say you can’t get to you. Feel the fear do it anyway, is something which everyone has to do to succeed in making their dreams come true whatever it is. Eddie was quoted in The Guardian, 3 September 2007 as saying……… “They said I was afraid of heights. But I was doing 60 jumps a day then, which is hardly something someone who was afraid of heights would do”.

… But was he afraid of jumping? “Of course I was. There was always a chance that my next jump would be my last. A big chance.” What Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards Can Teach You in Your Digital Marketing: Feel the Fear and do it anyway Feel the fear and do it anyway to achieve your dream, this couldn’t be more in your digital marketing. There will always be something that can make you feel fear, the fear of failure, the fear of not having the skills to succeed in digital marketing, the fear of competitors being better than you. These fears are not the reality you have to believe in yourself that you can achieve your goals despite your fear. Feel the fear and do it anyway, recognize that yes I feel afraid but know it’s not real; tell yourself, I can handle it and I am going to do it anyway. This will take you a long way to making your dream life a reality and succeed in digital marketing business . What will you do with your dream life? T hrough digital marketing you can start your journey to making your dream a reality, like Eddie the Ea gle.

Britain’s first (and only) Olympic Ski jumper International Alpine Skier Represented Britain at 1987 World Championships, Oberstdorf Represented Britain at 1988 Winter Olympics, Calgary British National Ski-jumping Record holder 55th in World Ski jumping World No 9 in Amateur Speed-skiing (106.8mph) Stunt Jumping World Record Holder (10 cars/6 buses) What Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards Can Teach You About Digital Marketing He was loved all around the world for his spectacular failures, but his tenacity, drive, courage and belief is inspiring. Unfortunately Eddie was ruled out to compete again, though for Eddie getting to Calgary was his gold medal. The West Country plasterer accomplished his childhood dream to compete in the Olympics. Now Eddie is still a plasterer in the West Country and has two small children and has over the years used his fame for lots of PR work and he came 1st in the ITV show Splash earlier this year.I can’t help but admire Eddie for taking part in the Ski Jumping event in Bavaria in the New Year. Come On Eddie!… Eddie!

Eddie… Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards is the loser who has a lesson for us all | Emma John | Sport | The Guardian Sportblog Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards is the loser who has a lesson for us all A biopic of the inept and ungainly Olympic ski jumper produced by Matthew Vaughn and released this month, has reaffirmed the Briton’s sporting X-factor Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards in mid-flight at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, his career is now the subject of a biopic produced by Matthew Vaughn. Photograph: Bob Thomas/Getty Images Saturday 6 February 2016 16.30 EST Last modified on Monday 4 April 2016 07.11 EDT Share on Messenger Close A suave British superspy is rescuing a captive from a mountain hideout. Leaping on a snowmobile, the secret agent races down the slopes with daredevil brilliance, dodging bullets, leading his pursuers towards the mountain’s edge. “Don’t worry,” he tells his terrified passenger with a cocky grin, “I’ve done this before” – and off they fly, over the cliff.

It’s the opening scene from the comic book of Kingsman: The Secret Service, co-written by Mark Millar, Dave Gibbons and Matthew Vaughn. The snowmobile chase never made it into 2015’s film version directed by Vaughn, which was a shame, because it robbed it of one of the comic’s blackest jokes: the sight of snowmobile, spy and rescuee all smashed to pieces at the bottom of the cliff, with the union jack parachute that had failed to open lying apologetically alongside. Reappraising Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards: a dedicated athlete who made the best of his talent Read more This is the image that came to mind when Vaughn first announced he would be producing a movie about Michael “Eddie” Edwards, Great Britain’s best known and least competent ski jumper. Vaughn had built his producing career on uncompromising films like Kick-Ass, Layer Cake and Snatch. He was not a man who shied from nasty characters or onscreen violence. Would his Eddie the Eagle be the story of a naive kid who stumbled into an Olympic underworld and found himself owing thousands to drug-running coaches?

Would Eddie have 24 hours to come up with the money before Scandinavian masseurs turned up to break his legs with ski poles? No: the biopic, which comes to cinemas this month, turns out to be a family friendly and rather endearing comedy drama – the heartening, slightly bonkers tale of a young man with limited athletic prowess who decided that he was going to compete in the Olympics anyway. Perhaps Vaughn was drawn to the surprise hero of the 1988 Calgary Games because – like the mutants of Vaughn’s X-Men films – Edwards led a double life. At home in Cheltenham he was Eddie, who wore inch-thick glasses and did plastering work for his father. Out on the slopes he became The Eagle, with superpowers that enabled him to soar through the sky (with admittedly little grace or distance). What’s noticeable is that Vaughn – and director Dexter Fletcher, better known to many of us as the curly-haired one from Press Gang – are pitching this story of stereotypical British sporting failure to a US audience. They’ve bought one of the highly prized and expensive advertisement slots in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

As part of the trailer, a selection of NFL players offer their earnest endorsement; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees compares it with favourite American sports movies like Hoosiers and Remember the Titans(ignoring the fact that, in those films, the protagonists do actually win their events). With their comic but never condescending take on Eddie, Vaughn and Fletcher have, essentially, reframed what we Brits have tended to view as a slightly embarrassing and foolish episode, and magnified its hidden glory. It’s an interesting time to do so. Take their own lead actor, Taron Egerton, the 26-year-old Welshman who made such a splash as Kingsman’s Eggsy. Egerton wasn’t even alive when Edwards assumed his place in British folklore. It’s probable that those of Egerton’s generation, who employ Eddie’s name (if at all) as a shorthand for ungainliness and ineptitude, will know nothing of his real life. They will have little idea what Edwards put himself through to reach his one and only Olympics. How, with no funding or coach, he took to the European ski circuit in his mum’s car.

How he wore second-hand boots – and six pairs of socks to make them fit – plus a helmet held on with a piece of string. How, at his most penniless, he had to sleep in a Finnish mental hospital and bind up his broken jaw with a pillowcase. And it’s hard to imagine, in these days of never-ending doping scandals and institutional corruption, that Eddie the Eagle caused so much controversy simply by having the temerity to compete. That his presence in the field – way, way back in last place – was considered, by the men in blazers, an affront to their noble establishment. Or that his popularity with the crowds, who cheered his loopy celebrations at the end of each jump, caused jealous competitors to send him hate mail. The film quotes Baron de Coubertin’s foundational ethos for his modern Olympics: “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in life is not triumph, but the struggle.” It’s an idea that certainly struggles for air in the highly monetised, strictly ranked world of professional sport today; and one even less observed on the tracks and fields of the USA, a country that loves winners above all.

So it’s pleasing, the thought of an NFL player enjoying Eddie’s story, finding something to learn from an extreme loser – a lad who never wanted to be a contender, just a contestant. Maybe it will encourage us to celebrate everyone who takes part in the sporting arena – the golfer who rarely makes the cut, the tennis player ranked No102. After all, most of us have more in common with them than the Messis, the Federers, the Ennis-Hills. Don’t we all just want the chance to have a go? Eddie the Eagle back in Canada - Yahoo Sport More Sports Eddie the Eagle back in Canada Plucky ski jumper Eddie "the Eagle" Edwards who soared to fame at the 1988 Calgary Winter Games returned to Canada to take part in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics relay still carrying the torch for underdogs everywhere. 7 January 2010 23:54   The British plasterer who endeared himself to fans around the world as he chased an unlikely dream, was once again greeted by wild cheers as he held high the Olympic torch during a bitterly cold early morning run.

"It's not quite the same as doing the ski jumping in Calgary 22 years ago but it is still nice to come back and be part of the whole Olympic dream," Edwards said in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Eagle landed back in Canada after being invited by the Canadian Olympic Committee to participate in the 45,000-km torch relay that is twisting its way across the country towards the opening ceremony in Vancouver on February 12. It was 22 years ago that millions of curious sports fans held their collective breath as the near-sighted Briton with the thick glasses flung himself off the ski jump with his arms flailing. Edwards finished last but won the hearts and imagination of the sporting world for his spirit and determination. His performance also caught the attention of the International Olympic Committee, which later tightened qualification standards ruling out the chance of ever seeing the likes of an Eddie the Eagle on an Olympic ski jumping hill ever again. Edwards returned to Canada just after a coalition of women ski jumpers lost their court bid to be allowed to compete in the Olympics, where ski jumping remains a male-only sport.

"If you are in your sport for your country, you should be able to go to the Olympic Games and represent your sport for your country bringing people together in the interests of sport," said Edwards, still battling for the rights of the underdogs. "It's a fantastic Olympic ideal and I uphold it as much as I can.". Eddie the Eagle Reviews & Ratings - IMDb IMDb 65 out of 70 people found the following review useful: Feel-good Biopic from United States 27 January 2016 First of all, I have to say that I'm generally not a fan of biopics, they just aren't the type of movie I seek out. I got tickets to the sneak preview and my wife really wanted to go. Anyway, that preamble out of the way, I really did enjoy the movie. Eddie the Eagle is a story about an underdog in every sense of the word.

One theme that is repeated throughout the movie, is the quote from Pierre de Coubertin (father of the modern Olympics), "The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in Life is not triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." The story follows Eddie from the time he's a little kid with dreams of going to the Olympics. It follows him through his many assorted set-backs, and all the people around him who saw only failure in his future. It also shows the moments when he got helping hands when he most needed it. This movie is about his struggle. The casting in the movie was quite good. I remember Eddie the Eagle from TV when I was young, and Taron Egerton does an excellent job in the role of Eddie. Hugh Jackman puts in a good performance as the coach Bronson Peary, and manages not to overpower Eddie's character. But while Taron Egerton really assumes the part of Eddie, a lot of Hugh Jackman leaks into his role as coach Peary. The roles of Eddie's parents are also well played, and the actress playing his mother, Jo Hartley, gives a particularly poignant portrayal.

The father, played by Keith Allen (currently uncredited on IMDb) is a bit of a caricature, but well acted. Actually, a lot of the supporting cast of characters are caricatures, especially the other ski-jumpers/coaches and the British Olympians/Olympic Committee. But to an extent that serves to emphasize the struggle for Eddie. Also, for those intent on seeing this film for Christopher Walked, he has a very small role. While, I have emphasized the struggle aspect of the story, there is a lot of comedy thrown into the mix as well. The tone is upbeat throughout, even when Eddie has setbacks. While some of the failures are played for laughs (mostly early in the film), it's mostly Eddie's perseverance that makes this film endearing. It also feels like we're laughing with Eddie rather than at him, since it seems Eddie's in on the joke. If you're on the fence about seeing this movie, I say give it a shot. Was the above review useful to you? 66 out of 81 people found the following review useful: Go see it, better than 90 percent of the garbage out there Saw this movie at an advance screening and Eddie the Eagle was awesome.

The movie did not disappoint at all. Great insight into the story of Eddie Edwards and the sport of ski jumping. Very dangerous sport but very beautiful to look at. The movie had a lot of heart and humor. Will look forward to this movie making its way on Blu-ray. I would gladly pay to add it to my collection. Great visuals as well. I wish the movie gets the praise it deserves as it really is better than a lot of the trash coming thru movie theaters now. Was the above review useful to you? 45 out of 51 people found the following review useful: A Great Movie that left my Wife and I satisfied, inspired and smiling 11 February 2016 A very funny, enjoyable and inspiring movie for the whole family. A human interest film that are rare these days with so many movies that rely on bravado and special effects. Based on a true story, which proves if you have dreams from a young age that persist you should follow them no matter what the odds are against them and ignore all the doubters that tell you you cannot achieve them. The human spirit and believing in one's self are very powerful forces. Eddie is a character that you cannot dislike.

Hugh Jackman's character helps Eddie achieve his dream since Eddie would not be deterred. Eddie unknowingly helps Hugh Jackman's character out of his funk and he is re-born again. We highly recommend this film. Was the above review useful to you? 42 out of 49 people found the following review useful: Must See feel good Movie from Monroe, Michigan 12 February 2016 With a nice touch of humor you cannot come away from this movie without feeling a sense of accomplishment regardless of the actual outcome. The movie inspires you to reflect on any challenge we may have faced on our own lives and inspires us to actually rethink how we may have handled it or behaved differently. Taron Edgerton played a very believable character giving the audience a real sense at who Eddie Edwards really was and how he lived his youth through perseverance and fortitude by simply not giving up. The film cleverly portrays this very quickly through a brief introduction into Eddies childhood. The story is written well and the story really gives us a sense of who Eddie is and the drive to fulfill a promise to himself.

Hugh Jackman brings a humorous side to the film with just enough serious touch that you do not loose sight of the significant effort that was made by Eddie Edwards. I was glad to be invited to a early preview and hope that all who see this film enjoy it as much as I did. Was the above review useful to you? 36 out of 39 people found the following review useful: Not an Oscar Winner - But a Satisfying Film from United States 27 February 2016 Some films are merely created for entertainment and to tell a story. This is one of those films that you're not going to hear about during award season but it was certainly satisfying and worth the time. Egerton was a perfect choice to play Eddie, from his off beat humor to his on spot facial expressions, and Hugh Jackman is a great compliment as the supporting role. Both characters are total opposites, each flawed in their own way, but really mesh together on screen. The movie is fun and the story, based on the Eddie the Eagles dream of going to the Olympics, was nicely told with clean comedy paced throughout.

Not knowing the outcome of the true story, I was on edge rooting for Eddie throughout - just like the crowds in the stands on film. Really glad they made this film, it's such a fun story and Eddie The Eagle is so deserving for a film that honors his hard work dedicated to his Olympic dream. Have fun with this one! Was the above review useful to you? 20 out of 25 people found the following review useful: Exactly as expected Author: Sachet Patil 27 January 2016 The film makers themselves warn you with the movie being publicized as a feel-good, underdog tale that provides family entertainment. And that is EXACTLY what this movie is!!! And even though the movie does not bring in anything new or more than what was expected from it, it is definitely a good watch. The characters are extremely likable and the movie will have you rooting for 'Eddie' in no time. From what I have read, the movie was not shot in Canada and is very loosely based on the actual life of the real Eddie the Eagle, so people from Calgary and people who actually know a lot about the real Eddie might be slightly disappointed. Was the above review useful to you?

21 out of 27 people found the following review useful: Feel good and let the tears of happiness flow! from United States 14 February 2016 My husband and I saw this in a free screening prior to it opening for regular audiences, and I even wondered if I loved it so much because it was free, but I think I would have liked it just as much had I paid to see it! I do think that the movie benefits from being shown on a big wide screen with all the outdoor scenes - not sure I would have liked it so much had I seen it on a TV size screen. I felt all the characters were perfectly cast. While it may seem like a nit, the only annoying factor to me was that Eddie's glasses were falling down his nose the whole time - and while I know that was part of the character, it drove me crazy watching him!! However, the movie kept my interest the entire time, and was extremely enjoyable. By the end, I had tears of happiness streaming down my face - definitely one of the best feel-good movies I have seen in a long time!! HIGHLY recommend!! Was the above review useful to you?

16 out of 18 people found the following review useful: Taron continues to impress as 'Eggsy' (sic) the Eagle from United Kingdom 29 March 2016 The British love a plucky loser. "Eddie the Eagle" tells the astonishing but true story of everyman plasterer Eddie Edwards who qualified for, and then competed in, the Calgary Olympics in 1988 (probably most famous for those other plucky losers  the Jamaican bobsleigh team of Disney's "Cool Runnings" fame). I have absolutely no idea how the traditionally more success-driven and competitive American audience will see it, but the packed English showing I attended all clearly loved this film as a feel-good classic. The film starts with Eddie's childhood, struggling out of leg braces to try to pursue his Olympic dream with no success whatsoever. (Excellent performances here by brothers Tom and Jack Costello who set-up the tone for the film).

His battle is not just against his lack of skill: whilst his mother (Jo Hartley) is quietly supportive, his father Terry (Keith Allen) is  not unreasonably it must be said  hugely frustrated at his son's fanciful ideas, wanting him to follow in the family plastering tradition with the same zeal. (The gulf in ambition is vast  Eddie: "Didn't you have a dream when you were younger Dad?"; Terry: "Yes, plastering".) Eventually Eddie finds a sport he is half decent in (by British standards!): downhill skiing, but is thwarted in following his Olympic dreams by smarmy and sneering Olympic selector Dustin Target, played by Tim McInnerny (from "Black Adder" and "Notting Hill" someone who has rather cornered the market on 'smarmy and sneering'). It is then that he exploits ancient rules in the UK Olympic playbook to try to qualify in the discipline of ski-jumping: something no one has done since the 1920's.

Linking up in Austria with an alcohol-infused coach and ex- jumper Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman), Eddie faces the terrors of the 40m and then 70m jumps to try to learn the sport (16 years too late). This film has been long in gestation, with both Steve Coogan and Rupert Grint originally earmarked for the role. But Matthew Vaughn's involvement in the current project probably contributed to Taron Egerton getting the job following their work together on last year's "Kingsman". And a great choice he is too. Almost unrecognizable from the sharp- suited Eggsy in "Kingsman" and gangster-sidekick Teddy in "Legend", Egerton switches effortlessly between clueless goofball and steely determined sportsman. The film's emotional heart though is with Hugh Jackman's side-story, battling with drink after throwing his own chance away with US-coach Warren Sharp (a nice cameo by Christopher Walken). Although going a little OTT at times (we see for example that he is no Meg Ryan!), Jackman provides a solid acting foundation that the rest of the cast can play off.

Rounding out the cast are solid performances from Jo Hartley ("This is England") as Eddie's Mum, Mark Benton ("Waterloo Road") as a BOA official, Rune Temte as a bear of a Norwegian coach and the ever-warming Jim Broadbent as a BBC commentator. An 'attaboy' should also go to the special effects crew headed up by Marty McLaughlin for making believe a man can fly. Whilst  you understand  not in any way doubting Jackman's ability to risk his pretty face on a 90m jump, the nighttime sequence of him doing that jump is really nicely executed (with cinematography by George Richmond). A quick browse at Wikipedia will make it clear that there has been a lot of license taken with this as a "true story", and to be fair the prefix "based on a.." was used! And the film is not without irritations: Terry's negativity to his son's actions is about 25% overplayed in Simon Kelton's story, and the coach/protégé sub-plot has been overused in the past.

The soundtrack (music) by Matthew Margeson is also rather grating particularly early on in the film: it is presumably going for 'period' in its use of Hammond organ cheesiness, but that music was tiresome in the 80's too! Fortunately Margeson redeems himself with some kick-ass (no pun intended) classic 80's tracks neatly edited into the action. These criticisms aside, I dare you to come out of this film without a silly grin on your face. I certainly did. Directed by Dexter Fletcher ("Sunshine on Leith") it's not likely to win any Oscars, but in setting out to deliver what it said on the can it succeeded in all respects. (Please visit bob-the-movie-man.com to see the graphical version of this review. You can also subscribe there for future reviews. Thanks.) Was the above review useful to you? 16 out of 19 people found the following review useful: "Eddie the Eagle" soars! 21 February 2016 *** This review may contain spoilers *** We all have a dream or have had a dream at some point, at least.

You may not have achieved your dream (yet), but I'm sure you remember what it is, even if you're not currently pursuing it. You may have been stopped or been hindered from seeing your dream come true because people told you it wasn't realistic or refused to support you when you needed them to (or both). Or maybe you chose to give up on that dream because you decided yourself that it wasn't practical or because you came to believe that you were too old, too busy, too poor, too "whatever" to dream anymore. If any of this sounds familiar, then "Eddie the Eagle" (PG-13, 1:45) just might be your kind of movie. (And if ALL of this sounds familiar, you need to drop everything and go see this movie immediately  before it's too late!) The movie poster says "Inspired by a Dream Come True". That's appropriate (even if it's also a bit of a spoiler). In other words, this film is indeed inspired by a true story, but it's a highly fictionalized account of what really happened.

There really is an Eddie Edwards who was nicknamed "The Eagle" and became Britain's only ski jumper in order to realize his childhood dreams of Olympic glory at the 1988 winter games in Calgary. Except for a few more details, that's about where the similarities between the film and reality end. Personally, I think the omitted details of Edwards' story are even more interesting than what appears on screen, but maybe they were left out to simplify the movie or make it even more of a crowd-pleaser. If that was the goal, mission accomplished! The filmmakers did, however, cast an actor who could act and be made to look like the real Edwards, right down to his gestures. It is impressive. Since childhood, Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton) had Olympic dreams, even though he was pudgy, had no discernible athletic talent and even wore a knee brace for years. But he kept his dream alive. Eddie tried his hand at a number of different Olympic events, unable to find the right one for him. But he kept trying. Many different people, including Eddie's own father, criticized and even mocked his dreams. But he just ignored them.

Eddie decided on ski jumping even though he didn't know anything about it and was told repeatedly that, even in his early 20s, he was way too old to learn it and get good at it. But he still gave it his best shot. There were even multiple predictions of Eddie's failure, injury or even death if he pushed forward. But he refused to let fear or uncertainty stop him. At one point, Eddie proclaims, "I taking jumping very seriously. I love it. Nearly as much as I love proving people wrong." That he does. Eddie didn't even have a coach. That is, until he suddenly left the home of his frustrated father and supportive mother (Jo Hartley), traveled to a ski jumping facility in Germany and met one of the employees, Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman). Bronson is a former Olympic ski jumper who let his bad attitude derail his jumping career. He squandered his potential, ending up working as a maintenance man and drowning his sorrows in alcohol. As Eddie does small jumps and tries to learn how to jump by trial and error, Bronson repeatedly tells him to quit.

Eventually, Bronson agrees to teach Eddie a few things, if for no other reason, to keep Eddie from killing himself as he trains. And if Eddie manages to overcome his alcoholic coach's gruffness  and his own lack of experience (talent) as a jumper, he still must get past the British Olympic Committee whose leader (Tim McInnerny) is intent on stopping Eddie. "Eddie the Eagle" soars! Egerton is powerful, fun and funny in what is best described as a transformative performance, to be appreciated even more by those who saw him as a street-punk-turned-suave-secret-agent in 2015's "Kingman: The Secret Service". 2016 just serves to confirm Egerton as one of the finest young acting talents working today. Here, he makes a wonderful and endearing underdog. This film's story arc recalls another inspiring (basically) true sports story  1993's "Rudy".

Like many such movies, "Eddie" is guilty of being formulaic (right down to Jackman's charming, but now familiar portrayal of an underdog's main supporter) and I wish this film had stuck a little closer to the actual story, but these issues do little to harm the movie's emotional power and the sheer enjoyment of being in the audience. Regardless of how successful Eddie is (or isn't) in the end, you'll want to stand up and shout, "Do you believe in miracles? YES!!" Hmmm. Sorry. Wrong Winter Olympics movie, but you get the point. "Eddie the Eagle" IS the feel-good movie of the year! If you have (or ever had) a dream, you're likely to enjoy this film and it may even inspire you to dream about things you never thought possible. Isn't all that what movies are for? Everyone reading this review is witnessing the beginning of me realizing my dreams. This film reminded me of the rewards of determination and the joys of overcoming obstacles and accomplishing goals. I believe it will do the same for you  and entertain you in the process. "A-" Was the above review useful to you?

19 out of 25 people found the following review useful: Important Thing is Not to Win, But to Take Part Author: Thomas Drufke 3 February 2016 Everyone loves a good underdog story, and sports films have always been a good avenue for those stories to thrive. I know a lot of people like to complain sometimes about 'biopics' and how they should be as close to the source material as possible, but I look at it a different way. I go to the movies for an experience. Whether that be to laugh, cry, smile, or whatever, I go for the experience. If a film would be better off taking plenty of liberties, I'm all for it. Eddie the Eagle definitely took that philosophy, and for the most part, it really worked. First of all, I have to give a shout out to Elk Grove Cinema (not that they would actually be reading this) for inviting me to a preview screening of the film a few weeks before its wide release. Of course I jumped at the opportunity considering Hugh Jackman and the up and comer Taron Egerton were starring in a sports film, especially a seemingly uplifting one at that. The film absolutely did not disappoint.

Similar to last week's Finest Hours, I went in with mediocre expectations, and came out very pleasantly satisfied with what I got. It's a feel good story that I think everyone can get behind. Eddie dreamed his entire life of competing in the Olympics and was told that he would never make it, naturally that's someone we would root for. The good thing is that Egerton does more than just portray a sympathetic character. He transforms into Eddie the Eagle. I didn't know much about him before the film but it seems like he really pulled off Edwards' emotions and body language to a T. Jackman is also very good as the clichéd drunk washed up trainer that takes Eddie from being a wannabe to an Olympic athlete. I think that's what a lot of people will come out of the film saying, it's so clichéd. To an extent, they're not wrong. Each and every character is the prototype of what you would expect them to be, whether they are supporting Eddie or entirely against him. But I also don't think it was always a detriment to the film. Sometimes the clichés worked. As I said, the film is incredible satisfying. It's one of the best examples of a pure crowd-pleaser.

There's not much to dislike about the film. I absolutely loved the music choices including the score and some timely 80's song choices. Sure, I think the stakes could have been raised a bit here or there to give an even bigger emotional moment, but I can't say the film didn't already bring me to teary eyes at some points. And that to me, is an experience at the movies. +Emotionally satisfying

Question: At which Olympics, city or year, did Eddie the Eagle take part?
Answer: CALGARY