Growing up in working-class Cheltenham, Eddie the Eagle was one of many in a family of plasterers. He first strapped on skis during a school trip to Italy at age 13 and trained on dry slopes while working as a plasterer to fund his ambitions.  Unable to break into downhill skiing, he pivoted to ski jumping as the UK had no competitors in the sport, providing him with an unexpected opportunity.

Eddie the Eagle | Journey to the Olympics

Eddie Edwards’ route to the Winter Olympics was far from typical. A former downhill skier who missed the 1984 Games, he turned to ski jumping — a sport Britain hadn’t entered for over 60 years.  With no funding or national programme, Eddie trained wherever he could, often sleeping in cars or abandoned buildings. His gear was borrowed or patched together, and he supported himself with odd jobs like plastering and babysitting.

In 1986, he went to Lake Placid to learn ski jumping basics, competing against seasoned athletes despite frequent crashes and money struggles. To qualify for Calgary, he travelled across Europe alone, meeting international standards set by the FIS. Against all odds, he succeeded and, in 1988, became Great Britain’s sole Olympic ski jumper.  By then, Eddie was already a media curiosity — the underdog who had fought his way onto the Olympic stage.

Eddie the Eagle | Calgary Olympics 1988

Eddie competed in the 70m and 90m events in Calgary, fearlessly throwing himself into the competition.  Though he finished last, fans cheered his courage and determination. His enthusiasm captured global attention, and he became an enduring symbol of the Olympic spirit — proof that passion and persistence matter more than results.

Eddie the Eagle | In the Media

Following his Olympic moment, Eddie briefly experienced financial instability and bankruptcy but went on to pursue higher education and earned a law degree from De Montfort University in 2003.

Eddie found a niche in media and public life: co-hosting a radio show, performing as a ski instructor, and venturing into music.. His TV appearances include Let’s Dance for Sport Relief, Winter Wipeout (which he won), and Splash! (where he was mentored by Tom Daley and also took the title). More recently, he has appeared on The Masked Dancer and Dancing on Ice.

In 1988, he released his autobiography, entitled Eddie the Eagle: My Story.

Eddie the Eagle, The Movie

Eddie’s story was made into a feature film in 2016, starring Taron Egerton as Eddie and Hugh Jackman as his (fictional) coach, Bronson Peary. 

Eddie the Eagle | Motivational Speaker

Following his unique and inspiring journey in the world of ski jumping, Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards has built a successful career as a motivational speaker. Drawing on his story of perseverance, determination, and overcoming the odds, he captivates audiences across a wide range of sectors, from corporate events to educational institutions.

Eddie’s talks focus on themes such as resilience, chasing dreams despite setbacks, embracing failure as a stepping stone, and the importance of passion and self-belief. His engaging storytelling style, combined with his authentic humility and humour, makes his presentations both uplifting and memorable. 

He has delivered speaking engagements for the likes of Dyson, Lloyds, Nationwide, and the NHS.

Eddie the Eagle | at Great British Speakers

This year (2025), Eddie has already given his signature keynote address to some of Great British Speakers’  clients.  Of Eddie, Servern Hospice said;

“We had a tremendous evening, thank you. Eddie was brilliant, the audience loved him, and we raised £31,000 for Severn Hospice, which we are all delighted about. Working with Great British Talent to find the right speaker for our charity event was a pleasure. Great British Speakers has been incredibly helpful and efficient, and working with ‘Eddie the Eagle’ turned out to be the perfect decision. Eddie was engaging, inspirational, and wonderfully funny. Our audience – ranging from people in their twenties to those in their late eighties – were captivated; you could hear a pin drop as everyone hung on his every word. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We would highly recommend both Eddie and Great British Talent. Thank you!”

-Eddie Speaking and the Severn Hospice Event (Sept 2025)

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email  Great British Speakers now to book motivational speaker Eddie The Eagle Edwards for your next live event or video.  Contact us.