Olympic ski-jumping legend Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards has revealed the shocking depths of his financial struggles, admitting he once ate from bins to survive.
The 60-year-old, who became a national hero during the 1988 Winter Olympics, said he resorted to scavenging for food during his darkest moments.
"There were times when I had absolutely nothing," Edwards told The Mirror. "I'd go through bins behind supermarkets - anything to get by."
From Olympic Glory to Desperate Poverty
Despite his fame following the Calgary Games, Edwards struggled financially for decades. The former plasterer turned unlikely sports star said he often couldn't afford basic necessities.
"People assume because you've been in the Olympics you're set for life," he explained. "But the reality was very different."
Turning Point and New Hope
The Cheltenham-born athlete's fortunes changed when his story inspired the 2016 Hollywood film Eddie the Eagle, starring Taron Egerton.
"The film helped massively," Edwards admitted. "Suddenly people remembered me again."
Now working as a motivational speaker, Edwards hopes his story will inspire others facing tough times.
"No matter how bad it gets, there's always hope," he said. "If I can come back from eating out of bins, anyone can turn their life around."
