The inspirational story of Eddie Edwards prompted the production of a feature-length film. Though some of the films were fictionalised to maximise drama, the story of Eddie Edwards remains a remarkable one. We take a look at what made Eddie one of the greatest showmen in the world and the poster boy for dreamers everywhere.
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 and living in a Finnish mental hospital, just to save money – Eddie got the call he had been waiting for. He was able 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.
It was Eddie’s appearance at the Winter Olympics in Calgary in 1988 that changed the face of athletics forever. Normally known 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. When Eddie stepped out to compete in the prestigious games, he was under the microscope already – with many deciding 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, the standard of the athletes Eddie was up against in Calgary made it no easy task. As expected, he was off the pace when he pitted himself against the best in the world. For some, this would have been embarrassing, for some, humiliating. But for Eddie – it was exciting, fascinating – a dream come true.
And there was a huge shift in perspective as viewers all over the world fell in love with the captivating personality of Eddie Edwards. Though he was far from the most talented skier in attendance (especially in terms of jumping), 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.
He did, and in doing so he 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.
Eddie became the face of the games and an Olympic icon for his down-to-earth personality. His attitude brought the world to their feet, celebrating Eddie’s achievements with him. The International Olympic Committee didn’t look so fondly upon Eddie’s perceived achievements and brought in the Eddie the Eagle Rule in 1990 to stop future amateurs from reaching the biggest stage.
It required hopefuls to be placed in the top 50 of the world’s competitors or be ranked in the top 30% to compete in international standard events. But Eddie’s legacy was already confirmed. Utterly loved all across the world, Eddie was quickly picked to appear in a host of adverts and television shows.
In the 2000’s Eddie was finally accepted as an ambassador for the Winter Olympics, first participating in the festivities ahead of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and becoming the torchbearer in the relay for the Games. The 2016 film, Eddie the Eagle saw an all-star cast chronicle the story of his fascinating career. Today, Eddie Edwards is a wonderful Olympic Speaker and motivational speaker, able to engage guests with stories of his inspiring rise. Speaking on themes such as ski jumping, sporting success, publicity, personal endurance and resilience – the greatest underdog story in the history of athletics is an amazing one to hear and can motivate any team.
Book Eddie the Eagle Edwards for your gala dinner, award ceremony, product launch or other corporate events for an extraordinary inspirational speech encapsulating the trials and tribulations of the great Olympian. Simply contact us by filling in our online contact form or by calling a booking agent directly on 0207 1010 553.
Jack Hayes was appointed Director of the Champions Olympic Speakers agency in 2012 becoming one of the youngest Directors in the UK. A year later, Jack became a founding member of the European Association of Speakers Bureaux (EASB) collaborating with speaker agencies to create a code of ethics and regulations for the industry.
Balancing his time between attracting the world's top speaking talent and leading collaborations with global brands, Jack has nurtured relationships with media publications, blue-chip companies, institutions and governments. Having signed some of the most sought-after speakers on the international stage, Jack has overseen countless projects with the likes of HSBC, LadBible, the NHS, The Economic Times' Business Summit, ITV and British Airways.
Despite having already booked in the services of speakers such as the world's greatest living explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the inspiration behind James Bond character "Q" and former Director-General of MI5, Dame Stella Rimington, rugby World Cup-winning manager Sir Clive Woodward and many more, there was one moment that stood out for Jack, which was booking the man who put the "i" in iPhone, Ken Segall, who appeared at our very own Champions networking breakfast.
Jack has led Champions Speakers to unprecedented growth. Having taken the bureau into the digital age he has cultivated a brand-wide commitment to innovation, all the while staying true to the family values upon which Champions has been built; trust, transparency and care. Outside of work, Jack can be found still working! And occasionally attempting to breakdance.
To discuss the details of your event or book one of our exciting Olympic and Paralympic speakers, call a booking agent at Champions Olympic Speakers on 0207 1010 553 or complete our online contact form.
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