Eddie 'The Eagle' becomes first Briton to compete in Olympic ski jumping

On February 23rd 1988 Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards took to the slopes at the 1988 Winter Olympic games in Calgary, becoming the first competitor to represent Great Britain in ski-jumping. He finished last in both the 70m and 90m events, but did set a British record with a jump of 73.5m. He was hugely popular at the games that year and went on to become famous as an 'under-dog' who persevered despite his lack of funding.

If you fancy finding out more about the story behind that famous jump, watch the new movie, Eddie The Eagle, starring Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman, in cinemas from March 28th. Eddie the Eagle follows the realisation of the childhood dream of Eddie, and his unflinching determination to become Great Britain’s first Olympic ski-jumper. Reluctantly aided by former ski-jumper Bronson Peary as his coach, Eddie is unwavering in his quest to reach the 1988 Calgary Winter Games. Eddie the Eagle is an uplifting, inspirational story that celebrates human spirit, passion, and one man’s refusal to accept defeat.